Understanding how our sense of smell changes over time

Intensive longitudinal assessment of human olfaction

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-10826383

This study is looking at how our sense of smell can change as we get older, deal with health issues, or go through our daily routines, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about how smell works, whether they have a good sense of smell or face challenges with it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10826383 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the variations in human olfactory function, particularly how smell can fluctuate due to factors like aging, health conditions, and daily cycles. By conducting intensive assessments, the study aims to document these changes in both healthy individuals and those with olfactory disorders. The goal is to improve the understanding of normal olfactory variations, which can help differentiate between typical changes and those indicating serious health issues. Participants will undergo routine testing to track their olfactory abilities over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who may experience changes in their sense of smell or have olfactory disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have any olfactory issues or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better detection and management of olfactory disorders and related health conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding olfactory function can lead to significant advancements in diagnosing related health issues, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.