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Evaluating the Relationship Between Olfactory Function and Loneliness in Community-Dwelling Individuals: A
Vincent M Desiato1,2, Zachary M Soler1, Shaun A Nguyen1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy
|September 11, 2020
Summary
Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is common and linked to loneliness in older adults. Poorer sense of smell correlates with increased feelings of loneliness, suggesting a connection between sensory perception and social well-being.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Social Science
Background:
- Olfactory dysfunction (OD) impacts social interactions, yet its link to loneliness is understudied.
- Understanding this association is crucial for addressing social isolation in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between olfactory dysfunction and loneliness.
- To control for potential confounding patient factors in this association.
Main Methods:
- 221 subjects without ear, nose, or throat complaints were assessed for olfactory function using Sniffin' Sticks (TDI), QOD-NS, and VAS.
- Loneliness was measured using the De Jong Gierveld (DJG) and UCLA loneliness scales.
- Bivariate and regression analyses were performed, controlling for confounders.
Main Results:
- Nearly half the cohort (49.5%) had olfactory dysfunction, and over a third reported loneliness (36.4% DJG, 35.0% UCLA).
- Poorer olfactory function, particularly discrimination and VAS scores, significantly correlated with higher DJG loneliness scores.
- QOD-NS and VAS scores were also associated with UCLA loneliness scores, with associations persisting after controlling for confounders.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory dysfunction and loneliness are prevalent in this community-based sample of older adults.
- Worse olfactory function is associated with a higher likelihood of reporting loneliness.
- Further research is needed to confirm causality and explore the role of depression in this relationship.
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