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Olfactory screening test in mild cognitive impairment
A Eibenstein1, A B Fioretti, M N Simaskou
1Surgical Sciences Department, ENT, University of L'Aquila, Piazza S. Tommasi 1, Coppito, I-67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
Summary
Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) show significant olfactory identification deficits. These findings suggest olfactory tests could aid in diagnosing pre-clinical dementia.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional phase between normal aging and dementia.
- Over 12% of individuals with MCI progress to Alzheimer's disease annually.
- Early detection of pre-clinical dementia is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate olfactory deficits in patients with amnesic MCI (aMCI).
- To assess the potential of olfactory identification as an early marker for pre-clinical dementia.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 29 aMCI patients and 29 healthy controls.
- Olfactory function assessed using the Sniffin' Sticks Screening Test (SSST).
- Neurocognitive status evaluated with the Mini Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Mental Deterioration Battery.
Main Results:
- aMCI patients exhibited significantly impaired olfactory identification compared to controls (SSST score: 8.3±2.1 vs. 10.8±0.9, p<0.001).
- A notable difference in olfactory identification ability was observed between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory identification impairment is present in aMCI patients.
- Olfactory tests may serve as a valuable tool in the diagnostic assessment of pre-clinical dementia.
- Further longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm olfactory identification as an early and reliable diagnostic marker.