The Rate of Age-Related Olfactory Decline Among the General Population of Older U.S. Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Age-related olfactory loss (presbyosmia) is a prevalent sensory impairment with a large public health impact. In cross-sectional analyses, we found striking health disparities in olfactory function among older U.S. adults. Here, we report a 5-year follow-up to determine the magnitude of within-person olfactory decline.

Methods

The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) interviewed a probability sample of home-dwelling older U.S. adults (57-85 years) in 2005-2006 (Wave 1) and reinterviewed them in 2010-2011 (Wave 2), assessing demographics, social life, and health, including olfaction. Odor identification was measured with a 5-item version of the Sniffin' Sticks (0-5 correct). Fourteen hundred and thirty-six respondents provided olfaction data in b

SUBMITTER: Pinto JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4715242 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature