Olfactory identification impairment in cerebral small-vessel disease indicates cognitive network disconnection and predicts accelerated cognitive decline.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Olfactory identification impairment is a well-established early screening index for cognitive decline in neurodegenerative disorders. However, whether this simple sensory test can similarly detect or predict cognitive deficits in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD)-a leading cause of vascular cognitive impairment-remains unclear.

Methods

All participants-including 193 CSVD patients and 164 normal controls (NC)-completed the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Multimodal MRI analyses were conducted to identify structural and functional abnormalities associated with UPSIT performance. A cognitive follow-up assessment was performed 24 months post-baseline, and the rate of cognitive decline was

SUBMITTER: Fu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12457485 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature