This prospective longitudinal cohort study will enroll adults aged 50 years and older to characterize olfactory dysfunction in aging. Participants will undergo comprehensive olfactory testing, cognitive assessment, biomarker collection, and imaging to identify clinically relevant phenotypes based on anatomic site of dysfunction. The study will also evaluate the impact of olfactory dysfunction on quality of life and identify baseline factors associated with changes in olfactory function over time.
Olfactory dysfunction is common in older adults and is associated with impaired quality of life and increased mortality, yet underlying mechanisms and clinically relevant classifications remain poorly defined. Prior studies have relied on limited screening methods and have not adequately characterized the anatomic sites or mechanisms contributing to olfactory loss. This prospective longitudinal cohort study will enroll adults aged 50 years and older to comprehensively evaluate olfactory function and its determinants. Participants will undergo psychophysical olfactory testing using Sniffin' Sticks (threshold, discrimination, and identification), cognitive assessment, nasal endoscopy, and olfactory mucus collection for biomarker analysis. A subset of participants will also undergo magnetic resonance imaging to assess peripheral and central olfactory structures. The primary objective is to establish clinically relevant phenotypes of olfactory dysfunction based on olfactory testing and cognitive function, corresponding to peripheral, sensorineural, or central mechanisms. Secondary objectives are to determine the impact of olfactory dysfunction on quality of life, depression, social isolation, and nutrition using validated patient-reported outcome measures, and to identify baseline factors that predict longitudinal changes in olfactory function. Participants will be followed annually with repeat olfactory testing and outcome assessments to evaluate changes over time and identify predictors of olfactory decline. This study aims to improve understanding of olfactory dysfunction in aging and provide a foundation for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
500
Participants undergo olfactory testing (Sniffin' Sticks), cognitive assessment, nasal endoscopy, olfactory mucus collection, MRI imaging (subset), and patient-reported outcome measures to evaluate olfactory function, biomarkers, and health outcomes over time.
MUSC
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Olfactory Function
Olfactory Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification (TDI scores) using Sniffin' Sticks.
Time frame: Baseline
Change in Olfactory Function Over Time
Longitudinal assessment of changes in olfactory function to identify decline over time.. Change in TDI scores (threshold, discrimination, identification)
Time frame: Year 1 and year 2
Patient-Reported Outcomes
Patient-reported measure assessing quality of life using QOD questionnaire.
Time frame: Baseline, Year 1 and year 2
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