Olfactory function and discrimination ability in the elderly: a pilot study.

We recently reported that subjects with a higher olfactory identification threshold for rose odor declined more in attentional ability in the elderly. This study focuses on discrimination ability and olfactory identification threshold in twelve elderly subjects living in a community (age: 80.9 ± 1.6). Olfactory function was assessed by the rose odor identification threshold. We assessed the discrimination ability by distinguishing 5 similar odor pairs. Our results showed that the subjects with a higher olfactory identification threshold (≥ 5) declined more in discrimination ability (14% ± 14%, p = 0.03) compared to those with a lower threshold (≤ 4) (averaged value set at 100%). As discrimination ability is related to the basal forebrain cholinergic system, our results suggest that olfactory impairment links to the decline in cognitive function relating the cholinergic system.

The relationship between olfaction and cognitive function in the elderly.

This study investigated the relationship between olfaction and cognitive function in 12 elderly people (age: 80.9 ± 1.6) living in the community. Olfactory function was assessed by the identification threshold for rose odor. Four cognitive measures consisting general cognitive ability assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), its sub-domains, and attentional ability assessed by drawing a line to connect the numbers consecutively (trail-making test part A; TMT-A), were assessed. Subjects with a higher olfactory threshold (≥ 5) declined more in the performance speed of TMT-A (73% ± 7%, p = 0.05) compared with those subjects with a lower threshold (≤ 4) (averaged value was set at 100%). Other cognitive statuses assessed by MMSE tended to decline in subjects with higher thresholds. Because attentional function relates to the basal forebrain cholinergic system, our results suggest that olfactory impairment links to the decline in cognitive function, particularly of attention-relating cholinergic function.

[Rehabilitation method for churg-strauss syndrome from early stage: considering functional prognosis of mononeuritis multiplex].

We report our rehabilitation experience for two patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS). To improve their functional prognoses, we started rehabilitation program compensating for their activity of daily livings from their early stage. Also, we paid special attention to prescribed drug effect and adverse effect. Since patients with the mononeuritis multiplex have restricted weakness in the muscles ruled by a specific nerve, rehabilitation approaches including orthoses should start to improve the compensatory ability of normal adjacent muscles even in their early stages. In addition, since functional improvement may be gradual and take some years from onset, we should start rehabilitation in their early stage to improve their functional prognoses.