Monell Chemical Senses Center
Smell dysfunction is frequent yet neglected. The sense of smell plays a crucial role in signaling disease, safety, and overall quality of life. However, the significance of a functional sense of smell in terms of health and well-being is often overlooked until one experiences a loss of smell due to injury or disease. Research demonstrates that individuals are often not self-aware of their smell dysfunction (i.e. they do not spontaneously report smell dysfunction as a symptom), especially if the changes are gradual, as in normal aging. Patients with smell dysfunction experience a marked reduction in quality of life, poor mental health, nutritional health, and brain health as well as increased 5- and 10-year mortality in older adults. This study explores whether or not enabling healthcare providers to offer resources and guidance on coping strategies for smell dysfunction improves health and wellbeing in those who experience it.
The investigators will recruit participants in cycles for in person or remote participation. Each cycle is characterized by an initial assessment, intervention deployment (smell testing), post-intervention evaluation, 1-month and 6-month follow-ups via survey, text or phone to assess post-intervention psychological health and connection to care for smell dysfunction. The research team will assess odor detection, intensity, identification, pleasantness and discrimination. Based on the cut-offs determined prior to the beginning of data collection, the investigators will prospectively assign a pa…
Inclusion Criteria: \- Can read and understand English and have access to a reliable internet connection and a smart device or computer for the duration of the experimental sessions, unless they are part of community events in which smart devices are provided Exclusion Criteria: \- Known intolerance or allergy to any of the odor stimuli used
Participants with smell dysfunction will receive patient-centered information and education about i) community engagement with individuals with smell loss, ii) available counseling and iii) medical support.
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