Olfactory Dysfunction and Balance Dysfunction are Associated with Increased Falls in Older Adults

This study aims to characterize the association between impairments in olfaction and balance, both of which are mediated in part by the cerebellum, and how this relates to prospective incidence of falls in a cohort of aging adults.

The Health ABC study was queried to identify 296 participants with data on both olfaction (measured using the 12-item Brief Smell Identification Test) and balance-related function (measured using the Romberg test). The relationship between olfaction and balance was investigated using multivariable logistic regression. Predictors of performance on a standing balance assessment and predictors of falls were studied.

Of 296 participants, 52.7% had isolated olfactory dysfunction, 7.4% had isolated balance dysfunction, and 5.7% had dual dysfunction. Severe olfactory dysfunction was associated with increased odds of balance dysfunction when compared to those without olfactory dysfunction, even when adjusting for age, gender, race, education, BMI, smoking, diabetes, depression, and dementia (OR = 4.1, 95% CI [1.5, 13.7], p = 0.011). Dual sensory dysfunction was associated with worse performance on a standing balance assessment (β = -22.8, 95% CI [-35.6, -10.1], p = 0.0005) and increased falls (β = 1.5, 95% CI [1.0, 2.3], p = 0.037).

This study highlights a unique relationship between olfaction and balance, and how dual dysfunction is associated with increased falls. With substantial implications of falls on morbidity and mortality in older adults, this novel relationship between olfaction and balance emphasizes a potentially shared mechanism between olfactory dysfunction and increased fall risk in older adults; however, further study is required to explore the novel relationship of olfaction with balance and future falls.

3 Laryngoscope, 133:1964-1969, 2023.