Olfactory dysfunction and common neurocognitive disorder: an update of research progression

Olfactory dysfunction has a high prevalence in the elderly, which not only affects people′s quality of life and mental health but also is a clinical manifestation of neuropsychiatric diseases, especially of neurocognitive disorders (e.g., Alzheimer′s disease (AD)). AD is a common neurodegenerative disease which is mainly characterized by progressive dementia and cannot be cured.It could impose heavy burden on patients, families and society. Screening AD-related biomarkers can greatly benefit the early diagnosis and treatment of AD and further delay the progress of the disease. Olfactory impairment is closely related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. Olfactory screening tests could help the early identification of these disorders. Therefore, this article aims to review the latest researches on the association between olfactory dysfunction and conventional diagnostic methods of MCI and AD, and further evaluate the research value of olfactory impairment in studies of common neurocognitive disorders. Key words: Alzheimer′s disease; Olfactory dysfunction; Cognitive impairment