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BMC Geriatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Smelling Disorder | Research

Association between the inability to identify particular odors and physical performance, cognitive function, and/or brain atrophy in community-dwelling older adults from the Fukuoka Island City study

Authors: Yujiro Kose, Yoichi Hatamoto, Rie Takae, Yuki Tomiga, Jun Yasukata, Takaaki Komiyama, Yasuki Higaki

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Olfactory dysfunction is associated with severe brain atrophy and cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease. However, it remains unknown whether an inability to identify particular odors is associated with physical performance, cognitive function, and/or brain atrophy in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 44 community-dwelling older adults were included (14 males, 30 females; mean age: 72.4 ± 5.7 years, range: 63–85 years). The Odor Stick Identification Test for Japanese, consisting of 12 odors, was used to examine olfaction. Subjects also completed physical performance (lower limb function, balance, and gait speed) and cognitive function (global cognition, logical memory, and the Trail Making Tests). Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging was used to investigate brain atrophy in the bilateral medial temporal area (MTA) and whole gray matter using the voxel-based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer’s disease.

Results

Total olfaction was not significantly associated with physical performance, cognitive function, or brain atrophy. However, MTA atrophy was associated with an inability to identify Japanese orange (B: − 0.293; β: − 0.347; p < .05) after adjusting for age and sex (R²: 0.328; adjusted R²: 0.277). Subjects who were unable to identify Japanese orange (n = 30) had worse MTA atrophy than those who were able to identify Japanese orange (n = 14), even after adjusting for covariates (p < .05).

Conclusions

Total olfaction was not associated with physical performance, cognitive function, or brain atrophy. However, an inability to identify Japanese orange odor was independently associated with mild MTA atrophy among community-dwelling older adults.

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Title: Association between the inability to identify particular odors and physical performance, cognitive function, and/or brain atrophy in community-dwelling older adults from the Fukuoka Island City study
Authors: Yujiro Kose
Yoichi Hatamoto
Rie Takae
Yuki Tomiga
Jun Yasukata
Takaaki Komiyama
Yasuki Higaki
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Smelling Disorder
Smelling Disorder
Published in: BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02363-y

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Association between the inability to identify particular odors and physical performance, cognitive function, and/or brain atrophy in community-dwelling older adults from the Fukuoka Island City study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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