A Poor Sense of Smell Is Linked with Depression in Seniors
Adults over 70 with a poor sense of smell are more likely to develop depression.
KEY POINTS
More than half of adults over the age of 70 show a decreased sense of smell.
Seniors with a poor sense of smell are 6 percent more likely to develop moderate or high depressive symptoms.
The link between smell and depression isn’t clear. It could arise from biological or behavioral mechanisms.
Smell tests could act as a measure of depression risk in seniors and play a role in early intervention.
