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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2025

Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice

Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice

Published on: June 15, 2015

Pronounced Olfactory Habituation with Age.

Constantin A Hintschich^1,2, Cindy Ma¹, Antje Hähner¹

¹Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Smell and Taste Clinic, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.

The Laryngoscope

|April 10, 2024

Summary

Older adults show more pronounced olfactory habituation due to age-related decline in smell function. Even with normal olfactory test scores, prolonged odor exposure reveals reduced olfactory system functionality in the elderly.

Keywords:

adaption age habituation olfaction smell

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2025

Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice

Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice

Published on: June 15, 2015

Testing for Odor Discrimination and Habituation in Mice

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Published on: May 5, 2015

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function

Published on: July 30, 2017

Area of Science:

Olfactory Neuroscience
Gerontology

Background:

Olfactory habituation is a crucial mechanism for detecting novel scents.
Subclinical olfactory impairment can affect sensory processing.
Age is a significant factor influencing olfactory function.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of age on olfactory habituation.
To explore subclinical olfactory impairment in older adults using odor habituation as a model.

Main Methods:

Assessed olfactory thresholds, intensity, and pleasantness for phenylethyl alcohol (PEA) using the "Sniffin' Sticks" test.
Applied continuous PEA odor to one nostril for 10 minutes and 2 hours.
Reassessed olfactory parameters immediately after odor clip removal in younger and older adults.

Main Results:

Olfactory thresholds significantly elevated after 10 min and more pronounced after 2 h of odor exposure, bilaterally.
Habituation was more distinct on the odor-exposed side.
Older adults exhibited more pronounced habituation after 2 h compared to younger adults.

Conclusions:

Older individuals experience greater olfactory habituation after prolonged odor exposure.
This heightened habituation is likely due to age-related compromises in olfactory function.
Standard olfactory tests may not reveal age-related olfactory system deficits apparent under stress.