The sense of smell or olfaction plays an important role in our daily lives. It alerts us to danger, makes us enjoy our favorite food, and creates emotional connections with the people around us.

However, as we age, our sense of smell starts to decline, leaving us with lesser ability to distinguish different odorants. While it may seem like an inconsequential issue, smell loss can have a significant impact on the elderly’s health and wellbeing.

What Causes Smell Loss in the Elderly?

Smell loss, also called anosmia, affects approximately 20% of the population, with the prevalence increasing as we age. There are several reasons why it happens in the elderly, including:.

Natural Aging Process – Our sense of smell becomes less acute as we get older due to the decline of olfactory neurons in the nose, decrease in secretions that coat our nasal passages, and thinning of the nasal cavity’s lining. This process can start as early as our 30’s, but it becomes more noticeable after 60.
Chronic Diseases – Chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, and head trauma can also affect the sense of smell. These diseases can damage the olfactory nerves, result in nasal congestion, or alter brain function leading to anosmia.
Medications – Certain medications can affect the sense of smell by interfering with the olfactory system’s normal functioning. These include antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, antipsychotics, and anti-hypertensive medications.

Effects of Smell Loss in the Elderly

Smell loss can have several effects on the elderly’s health, including:.

Decreased Quality of Life – Losing the sense of smell can lead to the loss of pleasure in eating, making food less enjoyable, and leading to unwanted weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration. Smell loss can also impact the enjoyment of social activities, such as going to a restaurant, traveling, or cooking with family and friends.
Safety Risks – Smell loss can impair the ability to detect toxic substances, such as gas leaks, smoke, or spoiled food, leading to accidents or poisoning. It can also reduce the ability to detect warning smells from burnt wiring or overheated appliances, increasing the risk of fires.
Mental Health – Smell loss can also impact the elderly’s mental health, leading to social withdrawal, depression, and anxiety. The inability to sense cooking odors or body odor can also lead to self-consciousness, social isolation, and embarrassment.
Malnutrition and Dehydration – Losing the sense of smell can lead to the loss of appetite, making it harder for the elderly to maintain a balanced diet. This can further lead to dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and a weakened immune system.
Increased Risk of Falls – Smell loss can also impact balance and spatial orientation leading to an increased risk of falls and injuries.
Lowered Sexual Function – The sense of smell plays an important role in sexual function. Losing this sense can impact a person’s ability to enjoy sexual experiences and reduce intimacy with their partner.

Preventative Measures for Smell Loss in the Elderly

Preventing the loss of smell in the elderly can be challenging due to age-related changes. However, there are several preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk.

Healthy Lifestyle – Engaging in a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help slow down age-related changes in the sense of smell.
Avoiding Nose Irritants – Staying away from nose irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollution, and chemical fumes can reduce the risk of damaging the olfactory nerves and nasal lining.
Regular Medical Checkups – Regular medical checkups can help detect chronic diseases that can lead to the loss of smell and manage them effectively.
Proper Medication Management – Consult with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure that medications that can affect the sense of smell are appropriately managed.
Smell Training – Smell training involves repeating the smell of specific odorants daily to improve the sense of smell. This can be done by sniffing essential oils or commonly found household items such as cinnamon, rose, or coffee.

Conclusion

Smell loss or anosmia is a common age-related change that can impact the elderly’s health and wellbeing negatively.

It can affect their quality of life, increase safety risks, take a toll on their mental health, and lead to malnutrition and dehydration. Therefore, early detection, prevention, and management of smell loss can help improve the elderly’s overall health and wellbeing, allowing them to make the most of their golden years.