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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
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A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
Cognitive Function and Olfactory Ability in the Elderly: An Association Analysis
Nurdiana Baharudin1,2, Salina Husain3, Farah Dayana Zahedi1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Summary
Cognitive decline in older adults is linked to poor smell identification. This study found a connection between cognitive function, smell ability, and quality of life in elderly Malaysians.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Otorhinolaryngology
Background:
- Olfactory impairment is linked to cognitive decline in the elderly.
- Research on cognitive function and olfactory performance is limited, especially in Southeast Asia.
- This study explores the relationship between cognition, olfaction, and quality of life in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cognitive function and olfactory ability in the elderly population.
- To assess the impact of olfactory function on olfactory-specific quality of life.
- To utilize a culturally adapted smell test for accurate assessment.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 99 community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years).
- Cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
- Olfactory ability measured by the Malaysian-adapted Sniffin' Sticks test (TDI score).
- Olfactory quality of life evaluated using the Malay version of sQOD-NS.
Main Results:
- 74 participants showed cognitive impairment; 63 were hyposmic.
- A significant positive correlation was found between cognitive scores and olfactory performance, especially odor discrimination.
- Cognitive impairment correlated with poorer olfactory-related quality of life.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between cognitive performance and olfactory function domains, particularly odor discrimination.
- Olfactory testing may be useful in cognitive screening strategies.
- Causal relationships cannot be determined due to the cross-sectional design.
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