Impaired Olfactory Function: Loss of Smell and Insight Into Neurodegenerative Disorders

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the possible association between olfactory function (‘sense of smell’) impairment in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson’s disease, through a systematic review of relevant medical academia. Findings were overall consistent among research articles, and suggest that early stages neurodegenerative diseases could be identified through a poor sense of smell, which was simultaneously linked to lower volumes of the olfactory bulb. Implications suggest that inexpensive and noninvasive olfactory function assessments would be excellent biomarkers to aid in clinical diagnosis.