Abstract
Introduction: We tested the hypothesis that poor sense of smell is associated with lower cognitive function and higher mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prevalence. Methods: Olfaction, measured by the Sniffin’ Sticks test, was categorized as olfactory impairment (OI) (score ≤6) or no OI (score >6). MCI was adjudicated based on review of a neuropsychological examination. Linear regression estimated the mean difference in cognitive factor scores, and log-binomial regression quantified MCI prevalence among participants with versus without OI. Results: Participants with OI had lower mean factor scores (memory: −0.27 standard deviation [SD], 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.35 to −0.19; language: −0.24 SD, 95% CI: −0.30 to −0.17; executive function/processing speed: −0.09 SD, 95% CI: −0.12 to −0.06; and general cognitive performance: −0.25 SD, 95% CI: −0.30 to −0.20). OI was also associated with MCI (n = 204; prevalence ratio = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.37, 1.78). Discussion: An impaired sense of smell may serve as a readily accessible early marker of neurodegeneration and improve upon the prevailing delayed diagnoses and underascertainment of MCI/dementia.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1015-1021 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Alzheimer's and Dementia |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2018 |
Keywords
- Cognitive function
- Community-based study
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Odor identification
- Olfaction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Health Policy
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Epidemiology