Loss of sense of smell in older people could predict death within 5 years

A new study has revealed that decreased ability to identify odors can predict death within five years. According to the study, 39 percent of respondents, who failed a simple smelling test, died during

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: October 2, 2014 6:34 pm

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A new study has revealed that decreased ability to identify odors can predict death within five years. According to the study, 39 percent of respondents, who failed a simple smelling test, died during that period, compared to 19 percent of those with moderate smell loss and just 10 percent of those with a healthy sense of smell. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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The hazards of smell loss were ‘strikingly robust,’ the researchers note, above and beyond most chronic diseases. Olfactory dysfunction was better at predicting mortality than a diagnosis of heart failure, cancer or lung disease. Only severe liver damage was a more powerful predictor of death. For those already at high risk, lacking a sense of smell more than doubled the probability of death. Also Read - Light physical activities may help increase lifespan of older adults

Study’s lead author Jayant M. Pinto, MD, an associate professor of surgery at the University of Chicago, said that they think loss of the sense of smell is like the canary in the coal mine. It doesn’t directly cause death, but it’s a harbinger, an early warning that something has gone badly wrong, that damage has been done. Their findings could provide a useful clinical test, a quick and inexpensive way to identify patients most at risk.

The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.

How well age depends on many factors?

The functional capacity of an individual s biological system increases during the first years of life, reaches its peak in early adulthood and naturally declines thereafter. The rate of decline is determined, at least in part, by our behaviours and exposures across the whole life course. These include what we eat, how physically active we are and our exposure to health risks such as those caused by smoking, harmful consumption of alcohol, or exposure to toxic substances.

Even in poor countries, most older people die of NCDs

Even in poor countries, most older people die of noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, rather than from infectious and parasitic diseases. In addition, older people often have several health problems at the same time, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Globally, many older people are at risk of maltreatment

Around 4-6% of older people in developed countries have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. Abusive acts in institutions include physically restraining patients, depriving them of dignity (by for instance leaving them in soiled clothes) and intentionally providing insufficient care (such as allowing them to develop pressure sores). The maltreatment of older people can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.

The need for long-term care is rising

The number of older people who are no longer able to look after themselves in developing countries is forecast to quadruple by 2050. Many of the very old lose their ability to live independently because of limited mobility, frailty or other physical or mental health problems. Many require some form of long-term care, which can include home nursing, community care and assisted living, residential care and long stays in hospitals. (Read:Interesting facts about ageing)

With inputs from ANI

Photo source: Getty images

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Published : October 2, 2014 6:34 pm | Updated:October 2, 2014 6:34 pm

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