Our sense of smell plays an important role in daily life, even though we may not think about it very often. Anosmia is the loss of the sense of smell, and it can happen for many reasons, including illness, injury, aging, or certain health conditions. For older adults, changes in smell can affect safety, nutrition, and quality of life, and may sometimes be linked to memory conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. In honor of Anosmia Awareness Day on February 27, this post explains what anosmia is, common causes and risk factors, possible challenges it can create, and local community resources that can help seniors and caregivers stay safe and supported. 

 

What is it? 

According to the Anosmia Awareness.org website, Anosmia is “the medical term used to describe the complete or partial loss of the sense of smell.” 

 

Common Causes & Risk Factors 

• Aging (our sense of smell begins decreasing at age 60. This is more common in men than women).  
• Allergies  
• Certain illnesses (Covid, colds, sinus infections, etc.) 
• Certain medications  
• Head trauma or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 
• Certain conditions (e.g., diabetes, hyperthyroidism, multiple sclerosis, etc.) 
• Smoking  
• Excessive alcohol use  

 

Anosmia & Dementia  

Loss of smell can be an early sign of dementia. There’s a connection between the certain types of protein deposits that come with Alzheimer’s and a decreased sense of smell. One study that followed older adults for two years found that a drop of just one point on the smell identification test led to a 22% higher chance of developing mild cognitive impairment (trouble with thinking, learning, remembering, and/or making judgements and decisions). Another study found that subjects that lost their smell sensitivity later developed mild cognitive impairments. In fact, the loss of smell can signal structural changes in the brain.  

 

Potential Issues 

• Decreased or poor appetite. 
• Poor nutrition. 
• Inability to smell gas leaks.  
• It may be easier to get food poisoning if you can’t smell it when food is bad.  
• You may be more at risk of being hurt in a fire if you can’t smell smoke. 

 

Community Resources 

• Free and low-cost radon testing kits via Washtenaw County Health Department 
• Fire safety, free smoke detectors, and free carbon monoxide detectors via Senior Resource Connect 
• Gas stove safety via Senior Resource Connect