Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Abstract
The sense of smell, known as olfaction, exhibits a significant age‐related dependency, with older individuals often experiencing diminished olfactory abilities. These impairments are typically viewed as irreversible and can profoundly impact quality of life, dietary behaviours, and serve as warning signs for mortality, cognitive decline, and dementia. This study assessed age and hormone related variability in the olfaction in terms of detection (olfactory threshold) and discrimination (identification). Total of 150 subjects comprising 75 males and 75 females aged 20‐70 years were recruited for the study. The subjects underwent cost effective olfactometry testing for five primary odourants, and their olfactory thresholds for detection and discrimination were recorded. Results showed that older adults have higher odour detection thresholds compared to younger adults. Females at all ages have lower olfactory threshold as compared to males and the threshold is lowest in follicular phase of menstrual cycle and highest in luteal phase. No significant difference was observed in olfactory threshold between odour detection and odour discrimination. These findings contribute to our understanding of olfactory function variability with age and hormones and its potential implications for health and quality of life with the use of cost effective olfactometry.
How to cite this article:
Punam Verma, Hitesh Jani, Priti Bhanderi, Prashant Kumar Saini and Rupali Parlewar. Age and Hormone Related Variability in Olfactory Threshold: Cost Effective Quantitative Olfactometry.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.549.556
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.549.556