Introduction: Olfactory deficit becomes the early clinical sign of cognitive function impairment among the elderly people. This research focuses on specific cognitive function impairment of the frontal lobe, which is a region of brain that responsible with many functions, including olfactory function, attention, executive, and memory cognitive function.
Aims: The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between olfactory function impairment with attention, executive, and memory function impairment among elderly population.
Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 220 elderly aged 60 years or more. Assessment for olfactory function using 10 familiar odours in elderly, and for cognitive function, using Digit Span Forward (attention), Clock Drawing Test (executive), and Word List Memory Immediate Recall (memory).
Results: Percentages of elderly with olfactory function impairment were 81.4%, cognitive function impairment were 83.2% (attention), 66.8% (executive), and 82.3% (memory). There was a significant association between olfactory deficit with memory function impairment (p=0.002).
Discussion: There was a significant association between olfactory deficit with memory function impairment. Olfactory deficit increased 3.194 times the risk of memory function impairment. However, there was no association with attention and executive function impairment. |