Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice
Published on: June 15, 2015
Genetic and environmental influences on odor identification ability in the very old
Richard L Doty1, Inge Petersen, Nii Mensah
1Smell & Taste Center, University of Pennsylvania, USA. doty@mail.med.upenn.edu
Abstract:
Odor identification ability and cognition were measured in a population-based cohort of 1,222 very old twins and singletons, including 91 centenarians. Heritability for identifying odors was low, in contrast to that for cognition. Common genes were found to contribute to both olfaction and cognition. In a multiple regression model, sex, age, cognitive function, and smoking, but not APOEε4 status, were significant predictors of the olfactory test scores (all ps < 0.001). This study, along with data from other studies, suggests that indices of heritability for odor identification decline with age, likely reflecting adverse environmental influences on the smell system.
Related Concept Videos
Olfaction
The olfactory receptors are embedded in the cilia of the...
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
Physiology of Smell and Olfactory Pathway
The olfactory...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Gene-Environment Interactions
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences

