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Reference values of olfactory function for Mexico City inhabitants.
Marco Guarneros1, Robyn Hudson2, Martha López-Palacios3
1Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México UNAM, México, D.F., Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México UNAM, México, D.F., Mexico.
Archives of Medical Research
|December 27, 2014
Summary
Olfactory function declines with age, particularly after the 5th decade, with odor detection being the most sensitive indicator. Environmental factors like air pollution in Mexico City significantly impact olfactory performance in healthy adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Olfactory testing aids in diagnosing age-related conditions.
- Establishing local reference values for olfactory function is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine baseline olfactory reference values for Mexico City inhabitants.
- To investigate the relationship between olfactory capabilities and age, sex, and smoking habits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Sniffin' Sticks test battery on 916 healthy adults.
- Assessed odor detection, discrimination, and identification.
- Compared olfactory performance with demographic factors and environmental conditions.
Main Results:
- Significant olfactory function decline observed from the 5th decade of age.
- Odor detection threshold was the most sensitive measure of olfactory decline.
- Mexico City residents showed poorer olfactory performance compared to less polluted areas, likely due to air pollution.
Conclusions:
- General demographic patterns of olfactory performance are confirmed, but local factors are critical.
- Environmental factors, such as air pollution, negatively impact olfactory function.
- The Sniffin' Sticks test, with cultural adaptations, is a valuable tool for assessing olfactory health in Mexico City.
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