Influence of age on smell function in healthy subjects

Abstract

Introduction A need for research of the olfactory function exists in everyday clinical work. The aim of this study was to determine standards for perception and identification thresholds regarding olfactory substances in healthy subjects in regard to their age. Material and methods The research included 120 healthy examinees (60 women and 60 men) classified according to age into three age groups (20-30, 31-40, 41-50 years of age). This examination was done using Fortunato-Niccolini's method. Results and discussion The results of this work show that olfactory function becomes significantly weaker after the age of forty. Thresholds of perception in correlation with thresholds of identification for examined olfactory substances are significantly lower in older age groups. Conclusion A gradual loss of olfactory capability with age can be explained by gradual destruction of olfactory cells and fibres of olfactory nerves during life.