Olfactory Dysfunction in Aging Adults
Medical University of South Carolina
Summary
This prospective longitudinal cohort study will enroll adults aged 50 years and older to characterize olfactory dysfunction in aging. Participants will undergo comprehensive olfactory testing, cognitive assessment, biomarker collection, and imaging to identify clinically relevant phenotypes based on anatomic site of dysfunction. The study will also evaluate the impact of olfactory dysfunction on quality of life and identify baseline factors associated with changes in olfactory function over time.
Description
Olfactory dysfunction is common in older adults and is associated with impaired quality of life and increased mortality, yet underlying mechanisms and clinically relevant classifications remain poorly defined. Prior studies have relied on limited screening methods and have not adequately characterized the anatomic sites or mechanisms contributing to olfactory loss. This prospective longitudinal cohort study will enroll adults aged 50 years and older to comprehensively evaluate olfactory function and its determinants. Participants will undergo psychophysical olfactory testing using Sniffin' St…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 50+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 50 years or older * Ability to follow instructions and understand consent process in English * Adequate visual, auditory, or motor functioning to complete items in the test battery or availability of assistance or assist devices to complete tasks Exclusion Criteria: \- Vulnerable populations including prisoners or institutionalized individuals
Interventions
- OtherClinical and Biomarker Assessments
Participants undergo olfactory testing (Sniffin' Sticks), cognitive assessment, nasal endoscopy, olfactory mucus collection, MRI imaging (subset), and patient-reported outcome measures to evaluate olfactory function, biomarkers, and health outcomes over time.
Location
- MUSCCharleston, South Carolina