Factors influencing olfactory function in an adult general population sample: the CHRIS study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Olfactory research
• Population health studies

Background:

• Olfactory function is crucial for environmental assessment but is influenced by various factors.
• Previous studies often had methodological limitations, impacting the reliability of identified olfactory function drivers.
• A population-based approach is needed to accurately determine variables affecting smell identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic, medical, and lifestyle variables associated with odor identification abilities.
• To establish normative values for the Sniffin' Sticks odor identification test in a general population.
• To overcome previous study design and participant selection biases.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) cohort, a population-based sample of 6,944 participants.
• Administered a validated odor identification test (Sniffin' Sticks) to assess olfactory function.
• Collected data on medical, demographic, and lifestyle parameters, excluding individuals with nasal obstruction.

Main Results:

• Age, sex, education, and smoking status explained approximately 13% of the variance in odor identification.
• Medical conditions (cognitive impairment, Parkinson's disease, skull fracture, hypertension) and alcohol abstinence negatively impacted scores.
• Normative values for both 16-item and 12-item Sniffin' Sticks identification tests were established.

Conclusions:

• Demographic, medical, and lifestyle factors significantly influence odor identification abilities.
• The study provides essential normative data for clinical and research use of the Sniffin' Sticks test.
• This population-based research offers a more robust understanding of olfactory function determinants.