Prevalence of decreased olfactory function in adults in a Brazilian population sample.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of undiagnosed olfactory changes in individuals over 40 and the associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study enrolled a group of adult and elderly patients who did not report any nasal issues or olfactory changes with a clear or highly probable causal connection. They were subjected to the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and the Visual Analog Scale to evaluate olfactory capacity.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-four volunteers participated. Among the elderly, 96.9% experienced olfactory changes, while 80.4% of the younger group did. There was a significant correlation between age and UPSIT results (Rho = 0.33, p < 0.001) in the elderly. A higher prevalence of olfactory impairment was found in the elderly (p < 0.001). The age predictor showed an OR of 1.081 (p < 0.01, 95% CI 1.03-1.12). Both elderly and adults reported similar rates of altered olfaction, at 14.5% and 14.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

There was a higher prevalence and risk of developing decreased olfaction in the elderly, with an 8% greater risk of olfactory dysfunction for each passing year.