Abstract
Objectives
Despite its relatively high prevalence, population-based data are lacking on whether
olfactory impairment influences the functional status and independence of older adults.
We assessed associations between olfactory impairment with activities of daily living
(ADL) measures and the likelihood of using community support services and/or reliance
on non-spouse family/friend support among older adults.
Study design
Olfaction was measured using the San Diego Odor Identification Test (SDOIT) among
1636 participants of the Blue Mountains Eye Study (2002–4). Functional status was
determined by the Older Americans Resources and Services ADL scale. Use of services
and non-spouse family/friend support was self-reported.
Results
Use of community support services was reported by 15.2% and 5.2% of persons with and
without olfactory impairment, respectively. After multivariable adjustment including
for cognitive function, participants with compared to those without olfactory impairment
were more likely to use community support services and non-spouse family/friend support,
odds ratio, OR, 1.82 (95% confidence intervals, CI 1.16–2.86) and OR 1.62 (95% CI
1.14–2.32), respectively. ADL difficulty was reported by 16.9% (n = 57) and 4.4% (n = 45) of participants with and without olfactory loss, respectively. Olfactory impairment
was associated with increased likelihood of experiencing ADL difficulty, multivariable-adjusted
OR 1.98 (95% CI 1.10–3.57). Olfactory loss was significantly associated with impaired
basic ADL, OR 1.57 (95% CI 1.12–2.20).
Conclusions
The functional ability and independence of older adults is significantly impaired
in the presence of olfactory impairment. Early diagnosis of olfactory loss by primary
physicians and geriatricians could facilitate timely interventions assisting the maintenance
of functional independence in later life.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 30, 2012
Accepted:
January 13,
2012
Received in revised form:
January 10,
2012
Received:
December 2,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc.
