Olfactory performance assessed via a new odour recognition test: Reliability and normative data

Abstract

Olfactory disorders have been documented both in ageing and in various neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions, with memory loss as a frequent feature. The present investigation aimed at developing a standardised multiple choice odour recognition test, based on the “Sniffin Sticks” test kit. The test was applied on two occasions at a distance of approximately 2 weeks from each other to a group of 108 normosmic, healthy volunteers (51 men, 57 women, age range 18–95 years). The results showed that performance decreased significantly with increasing age, particularly after the age of 60. The test–retest Pearson's coefficient of correlation between the two repeated administrations was .90, indicating a high reliability of the task. No sex-related differences were found. These data suggest that the present odour recognition memory test may be suitable for the routine clinical assessment of olfactory performance.

Keywords:

• Age-related changes
• Normative data
• Odour recognition memory
• Olfaction
• Sniffin Sticks

Acknowledgements

The present study was planned when the author was visiting professor at the “Smell and Taste Clinic” of the University of Dresden. The author would like to express his gratitude to the Director of the Clinic, Professor T. Hummel, for his invaluable support during all the phases of the project. The author would like also to thank Dr. M. Arsie, Dr. L. Baccaro, and Dr. M. Dalvit for their help in collecting the data, Prof. B. Falinska for her kindness in helping with the final draft, and all the participants that took part in the study.