The proportion of self-rated olfactory dysfunction does not change across the life span

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Gerontology

Background:

• Self-reports of olfactory function are often unreliable.
• Measured olfactory dysfunction affects approximately 20% of the general population.
• Discrepancies exist between self-reported and objectively measured olfactory function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between self-rated and measured olfactory function.
• To determine the prevalence of self-rated olfactory dysfunction across different age groups.
• To analyze age-related trends in measured olfactory function.

Main Methods:

• 1005 subjects completed a questionnaire on olfactory function and medical history.
• Subjects underwent a physical checkup for preclinical conditions.
• Olfactory function was assessed using a modified "Sniffin' Sticks" odor identification test.

Main Results:

• Self-rated olfaction did not significantly correlate with measured olfactory function.
• Self-rated olfactory dysfunction prevalence (9-14%) was consistent across age groups.
• Measured olfactory dysfunction increased with age: 3.7% (18-35 yrs), 17.4% (36-55 yrs), and 35.6% (>55 yrs).

Conclusions:

• Self-assessment of olfactory function is unreliable at all ages.
• Age does not significantly alter self-rated olfactory function.
• Measured olfactory function declines significantly with increasing age.