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[Analysis of olfactory disorders in aging].
B Biacabe1, J M Norès, P Bonfils
1Service d'ORL et de Chirurgie cervico-faciale, Hôpital Boucicaut (Hôpital Europeen G. Pompidou), Faculté Necker-Enfants Malades, Université René Descartes, Paris.
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|November 11, 1999
Summary
Aging significantly impacts the sense of smell in individuals over 65, leading to olfactory disorders. This age-related decline affects odor perception and identification, potentially impacting nutrition in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
Context:
- Olfactory disorders are a common health concern in aging populations.
- Age-related olfactory decline is linked to changes in the naso-sinus system and potential early dementia.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for geriatric care.
Purpose:
- To investigate the precise effects of aging on the human olfactory system.
- To explore the morphological and functional changes in olfactory pathways due to aging.
- To elucidate the impact of olfactory deficiency on elderly individuals' quality of life.
Summary:
- Aging, particularly after 65, impairs olfactory thresholds, odor intensity estimation, and odor identification/memorization.
- Alterations in the nasal cavity and olfactory neuroepithelium contribute to age-related olfactory dysfunction.
- Elderly individuals can improve olfactory performance through learning, despite age-related neural changes.
Impact:
- Age-related olfactory dysfunction affects the peripheral and central olfactory pathways.
- Olfactory deficiency in the elderly can contribute to eating problems and reduced nutritional intake.
- This research provides insights into the functional consequences of sensory deficits in aging.