What a poor sense of smell means for older adults' health
Poor sense of smell and the health of older adults
This project looks at whether a poor sense of smell in older adults signals higher risk of dementia, Parkinson’s, weight loss, safety problems, or faster aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11267996 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you're an older adult, the researchers are using simple, painless smell tests already done in large groups to see what a poor sense of smell might mean for your future health. They combine data from two long-term U.S. community studies (Health ABC and ARIC-Neurocognitive) covering 8,630 adults aged 65 and older, linking smell test results to later outcomes like dementia, Parkinson's, weight change, safety incidents, and death. Because the smell tests are inexpensive and noninvasive, this work looks at whether they could serve as an early warning sign of disease or of accelerated biological aging. The team will also analyze how much known conditions explain the higher death rates seen with poor smell and what health risks remain unexplained.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older, including diverse racial groups and people who notice a decline in their sense of smell.
Not a fit: People younger than 65 or those whose smell loss is clearly due to temporary causes like a recent cold or nasal blockage are unlikely to be included or directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, simple smell testing could help identify older adults at higher risk so they can receive closer monitoring, nutritional support, or early interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked poor smell to dementia, Parkinson's, and higher mortality, but using these large combined cohorts to clarify other health links and the idea of 'accelerated aging' is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Honglei — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Honglei
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 below.