# Sensory deficiencies correlate with tau protein and dementia

## TL;DR

Sensory decline in aging is linked to tau protein buildup and dementia, suggesting sensory changes may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

## Contribution

This paper highlights a novel connection between sensory deficiencies and early neuropathological changes in dementia.

## Key findings

- Sensory decline correlates with tau protein accumulation in early Alzheimer’s disease.
- Altered sensory perception may influence behavioral changes in cognitive impairment.
- Sensory loss in vision, hearing, smell, and touch is linked to disease progression.

## Abstract

Sensory decline is a common feature of aging and an early sign of a high risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal protein deposits of tau are also observed in sensorial areas in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD), indicating that these two features are associated with common neuropathological changes in the affected brain areas. Alterations in taste and smell are evident in subjects with cognitive decline, but sensory decline is perceived in olfaction, vision, hearing (at early times of degeneration), and even touch, which correlates with disease progression. Consequently, affected individuals may suffer from varying altered behaviors that emerge from the declined capability to process and perceive information, suggesting that differences in sensory perception of the environment may play a key role in explaining these behavioral variations in subjects with cognitive impairment. This commentary discusses some of the alterations in sensory functionality and how these could contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disorders, such as ADRD.