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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.

For more on this, read Ainsley Hawthorn, Ph.D’s article in PSYCHOLOGY TODAY.