Open Access
Impact of medication use on olfactory performance in older adults
(Frontiers Media, 2025-04-03) Izco-Cubero, Maite; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabíola; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; Fernández González de la Riva, María Luisa; Santamaría Martínez, Enrique; Fernández Irigoyen, Joaquín; Lachén Montes, Mercedes; Lasarte, Juan José; Uzcanga Lacabe, María Iciar; Fernández, Secundino; Sanjurjo San Martín, Gloria; Maravi Aznar, Enrique; Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Introduction: Olfactory dysfunction impacts quality of life, safety, and nutrition. Despite its relevance among older adults, the role of medications in influencing olfactory performance remains understudied. This research investigates whether olfactory alterations in older adults are associated with the type or number of medications prescribed. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 107 participants (mean age of 86.1 ± 5.1 years). Olfactory performance was evaluated using the Sniffin’ Sticks Test (SST). Functional capacity, cognitive function and the number and type of medications were also assessed. Results: The analysis demonstrated a correlation between better olfactory performance and higher cognitive function. An inverse correlation was found between the age of participants and olfactory identification. While polypharmacy (intake of five or more medications) did not show a significant association with olfactory dysfunction, the intake of laxatives was associated with poorer olfactory threshold performance (−1.21, 95% CI −2.07 to −0.34; p = 0.008). In contrast, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (1.14, 95% CI 0.07 to 2.21; p = 0.04) and vitamin D (1.09, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.15; p = 0.04) intake were linked to improved olfactory identification. Discussion: These findings suggest that certainmedications influence olfactory performance; however, further research is needed to clarify the effects of different drug classes on olfaction.
Open Access
Olfactory characterization and training in older adults: protocol study
(Frontiers Media, 2021) Zambom Ferraresi, Fabíola; Zambom Ferraresi, Fabrício; Fernández Irigoyen, Joaquín; Lachén Montes, Mercedes; Cartas Cejudo, Paz; Lasarte, Juan José; Casares, Noelia; Fernández, Secundino; Cedeño Veloz, Bernardo Abel; Maravi Aznar, Enrique; Uzcanga Lacabe, María Iciar; Galbete Jiménez, Arkaitz; Santamaría Martínez, Enrique; Martínez Velilla, Nicolás; Estadística, Informática y Matemáticas; Estatistika, Informatika eta Matematika; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
The aim of this article is to present the research protocol for a prospective cohort study that will assess the olfactory function and the effect of an intervention based on olfactory training in healthy very old adults (≥75 years old). A convenience sample of 180 older people (50% female) will be recruited in three different environments: hospitalized control group (CH) with stable acute illness (n = 60); ambulatory control group (CA) of community-based living (n = 60); and an experimental odor training group (EOT) from nursing homes (n = 60). The odor training (OT) intervention will last 12 weeks. All the volunteers will be assessed at baseline; CA and EOT groups will also be assessed after 12 weeks. The primary end point will be change in olfactory capacity from baseline to 12 weeks period of intervention or control. The intervention effects will be assessed with the overall score achieved in Sniffin Sticks Test (SST) – Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification (TDI) extended version. Secondary end points will be changes in cognitive tasks, quality of life, mood, immune status, and functional capacity. All these measurements will be complemented with an immune fitness characterization and a deep proteome profiling of the olfactory epithelium (OE) cultured ex vivo. The current study will provide additional evidence to support the implementation of olfactory precision medicine and the development of immunomodulatory nasal therapies based on non-invasive procedures. The proposed intervention will also intend to increase the knowledge about the olfactory function in very elderly people, improve function and quality of life, and promote the recovery of the health.

Uzcanga Lacabe, María Iciar

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