Title

Olfactory Identification as a Biomarker for Cognitive Impairment: Insights from Healthy Aging, Subjective Cognitive Decline, and Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Authors

Bouhaben, Jaime; Delgado-Lima, Alice Helena; Delgado-Losada, María Luisa

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the relationship between olfactory identification (OI) and cognitive impairment by examining OI abilities across various stages of cognitive deterioration. Methods: A total of 264 participants were divided into three groups based on cognitive status: cognitively healthy, subjective cognitive, and mild cognitive impairment. All participants were assessed using the Sniffin' Sticks Olfactory Identification test and a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Results: Our results highlight the main effects of age and cognitive status on OI scores. Regarding cognitive abilities, OI is associated with measures of short-term memory, long-term, working memory, and selective attention. Finally, logistic regression models showed that OI is a significant predictor for discriminating SCD from CH, MCI from CH, and MCI from SCD. Discussion: These findings suggest the addition of olfactory identification measures in neuropsychological assessments could improve the early detection of individuals at risk for cognitive impairment.

Subjects

MILD cognitive impairment; COGNITIVE aging; COGNITION disorders; NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL tests; SHORT-term memory; SMELL

Publication

European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology & Education (EJIHPE), 2024, Vol 14, Issue 12, p2978

ISSN

2174-8144

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.3390/ejihpe14120196