Olfactory function and neurocognitive outcomes in old age: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study.

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, 9

SUBMITTER: Palta P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6097922 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature