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Open Access 01-11-2020 | Alzheimer's Disease | Original Communication

Olfactory testing does not predict β-amyloid, MRI measures of neurodegeneration or vascular pathology in the British 1946 birth cohort

Authors: Sarah M. Buchanan, Thomas D. Parker, Christopher A. Lane, Ashvini Keshavan, Sarah E. Keuss, Kirsty Lu, Sarah-Naomi James, Heidi Murray-Smith, Andrew Wong, Jennifer Nicholas, David M. Cash, Ian B. Malone, William Coath, David L. Thomas, Carole Sudre, Nick C. Fox, Marcus Richards, Jonathan M. Schott

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 11/2020

Abstract

Objective

To explore the value of olfactory identification deficits as a predictor of cerebral β-amyloid status and other markers of brain health in cognitively normal adults aged ~ 70 years.

Methods

Cross-sectional observational cohort study. 389 largely healthy and cognitively normal older adults were recruited from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development (1946 British Birth cohort) and investigated for olfactory identification deficits, as measured by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. Outcome measures were imaging markers of brain health derived from 3 T MRI scanning (cortical thickness, entorhinal cortex thickness, white matter hyperintensity volumes); ¹⁸F florbetapir amyloid-PET scanning; and cognitive testing results. Participants were assessed at a single centre between March 2015 and January 2018.

Results

Mean (± SD) age was 70.6 (± 0.7) years, 50.8% were female. 64.5% had hyposmia and 2.6% anosmia. Olfaction showed no association with β-amyloid status, hippocampal volume, entorhinal cortex thickness, AD signature cortical thickness, white matter hyperintensity volume, or cognition.

Conclusion and relevance

In the early 70s, olfactory function is not a reliable predictor of a range of imaging and cognitive measures of preclinical AD. Olfactory identification deficits are not likely to be a useful means of identifying asymptomatic amyloidosis. Further studies are required to assess if change in olfaction may be a proximity marker for the development of cognitive impairment.

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Title: Olfactory testing does not predict β-amyloid, MRI measures of neurodegeneration or vascular pathology in the British 1946 birth cohort
Authors: Sarah M. Buchanan
Thomas D. Parker
Christopher A. Lane
Ashvini Keshavan
Sarah E. Keuss
Kirsty Lu
Sarah-Naomi James
Heidi Murray-Smith
Andrew Wong
Jennifer Nicholas
David M. Cash
Ian B. Malone
William Coath
David L. Thomas
Carole Sudre
Nick C. Fox
Marcus Richards
Jonathan M. Schott
Publication date: 01-11-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
Pathology
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Anosmia
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 11/2020
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-10004-4

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Olfactory testing does not predict β-amyloid, MRI measures of neurodegeneration or vascular pathology in the British 1946 birth cohort

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion and relevance

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion and relevance

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