Scientists have discovered 10 smells, including lemons and leather, which can be used to help predict who will develop Alzheimer’s disease.

They believe the inability to smell certain odours can determine which patients with minimal or mild cognitive impairment are at risk.

The 10 smells are strawberry, smoke, soap, menthol, clove, pineapple, natural gas, lilac, lemon and leather. The researchers from New York State Psychiatric Institute said their results were similar to tests measuring reduction in brain volumes on MRI scans and memory tests in acting as potential predictors.

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s progressive brain disorder which destroys the memory, could lead to better treatment.