Understanding how our sense of smell changes over time
Official title: Intensive longitudinal assessment of human olfaction
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10826383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $558,930 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021604-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10826383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who may experience changes in their sense of smell or have olfactory disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any olfactory issues or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munger, Steven D — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Munger, Steven D
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.