Long-term Olfactory Functions in Patients with Subjective Cognitive Decline and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Introduction

Olfactory function is known to be impaired in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as well as in subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which are generally considered at-risk states for developing AD. The aim of the study at hand was to identify predictors of self-reported olfaction capability (SOC), self-reported capability of perceiving specific odors (SRP), olfaction-related quality of life (ORQ), and odor identification (OIT) in patients with SCD, naMCI, and aMCI.

Methods

The sample consisted of 33 patients with SCD, 88 with naMCI, and 43 with aMCI who consulted the Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, due to memory complaints between January 2001 and May 2018. Olfactory function was assessed objectively by means of the Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification test (OIT) and subjectively by means of the ASOF-scores SOC, SRP, and ORQ at two to three points in time, with an average time interval of 39 months between the first and second examination, and 24 months between the second and third examination. Linear mixed models were used in order to identify clinical and demographic variables as predictors of mean SOC, SRP, ORQ, and OIT throughout the observation period.

Results

There was a statistically significant — albeit small — time-related decline of SOC and ORQ in the SCD group but not in other groups. Throughout the observation period, estimated ORQ was significantly higher in the SCD group than in the naMCI and estimated OIT was significantly higher in the naMCI group than in the aMCI group after adjusting for time of measurement and other covariates. Positive relationships between OIT and all three ASOF-scores, negative relationships between BDI-II and SOC and ORQ, and a positive relationship between WST-IQ and SRP were identified.

Conclusion

There is a statistically significant, albeit small, time-related decline of uncertain clinical relevance in subjective measures of olfactory capability and olfaction-related quality of life in patients with SCD.

Implications

In all subgroups, objectively measured odor-identification scores have a significant impact on subjective scores over time. The study at hand confirms previous observations regarding the negative influence of depression on subjective perception of olfactory capabilities known from cross-sectional studies.