A study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found a significant link between decreased sense of smell and the risk of developing late-life depression in older adults. Over eight years, more than 2,000 healthy older adults were followed, and researchers discovered that those with diminished or lost sense of smell had an increased likelihood of developing depressive symptoms compared with those with normal olfaction. While the study doesn’t prove that loss of smell causes depression, it suggests that a declining sense of smell may indicate broader health issues. The findings persisted even after adjusting for age, lifestyle, and health factors.

Researchers identified three depressive symptom patterns: stable low, moderate, and high. A poorer sense of smell was linked to a greater likelihood of experiencing moderate or high depressive symptoms over time. The study highlights the potential of smell loss as an early warning sign for depression and other health concerns. The olfactory system, which connects closely with brain areas involved in emotion and memory, may contribute to depression through both biological and behavioral mechanisms, such as changes in serotonin levels or reduced social and sensory engagement.

Reference: Poor Sense of Smell Linked to Increased Risk of Depression in Older Adults. John Hopkins Medicine. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://clinicalconnection.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/poor-sense-of-smell-linked-to-increased-risk-of-depression-in-older-adults