Olfactory function and neurocognitive outcomes in old age: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study. Issue 8 (29th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Palta, Priya; Chen, Honglei; Deal, Jennifer A.; Sharrett, A. Richey; Gross, Alden; Knopman, David; Griswold, Michael; Heiss, Gerardo; Mosley, Thomas H.
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 14:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: 1015
• Page End: 1021
• Publication Date: 2018-03-29
• Subjects: Olfaction -- Cognitive function -- Odor identification -- Mild cognitive impairment -- Community‐based study; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.02.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

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.