The nose knows: Trouble smelling could be linked to frailty in old age

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-07-12 01:00

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Impaired ability to smell could be associated with frailty in old age, according to international researchers. The team analysed data from 10,624 patients and found those with olfactory impairment – reduced ability to smell – were more likely to be frail than those with an unimpaired sense of smell. They also found that worsening frailty was also linked with increased odds of olfactory impairment. While the study doesn’t show cause and effect, the researchers say an impaired sense of smell could signal other issues such as developing diseases or malnutrition. Doctors should be aware of sensory loss as people age, in order to keep an eye on other potential health issues, the team adds.

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Journal/
conference: JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: National University of Singapore, Singapore

Funder: No information provided. Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr Teo reported personal fees from Sanofi outside the submitted work. No other disclosures were reported.

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