Olfaction in elderly: signs for neurodegenerative diseases

Huart, Caroline [UCL] Rombaux, Philippe [UCL]

If it is well known that there is a physiological decrease in olfactory function with increasing age, it has been shown over the last twenty years, that there is a close relationship between olfactory dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases. Particularly, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease have been widely investigated. Even more interestingly, it has been demonstrated that olfactory dysfunction may precede the onset of neurological symptoms. However, several pathologies may affect olfaction and a precise anamnesis and clinical work-up procedure is mandatory in the evaluation of patients suffering from olfactory disorder to find out the cause of olfactory disorder. In this presentation, we will first review the literature about olfaction and neurodegenerative disorders. Then, we will emphasize on the signs that should evoke a possible neurodegenerative process and deserve further investigations.