Fading Sense of Smell Could Signal Higher Death Risk in Older Adults

New research cited by U.S. News & World Report shows that seniors who lose their sense of smell — which physicians have termed "call olfactory dysfunction" — have higher odds of dying from all causes within five years. Scientists had previously discovered a link between olfactory dysfunction and impaired cognitive ability. Said study author Dr. Janet Choi, a resident in otolaryngology at the University of Southern California, "We suspected there would be an association with olfactory dysfunction and mortality as well, considering that this is an early marker for a lot of neurodegenerative diseases." Choi's research team reviewed nationwide survey and death data from approximately 3,500 people age 40 and over. The polls included both self-reported loss of smell and an objective smell test. Over the five-year study, the research team found no increased mortality risk based on self-reported loss of smell. However, the risk of death increased 18 percent for every 1-point decrease in scores on the so-called "pocket smell test." The mortality link was significant for adults 65 and older, but not among those between 40 and 64, researchers noted.