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Olfato, envejecimiento fisiológico y enfermedades neurodegenerativas

Olfato, envejecimiento fisiológico y enfermedades neurodegenerativas

Olfato, envejecimiento fisiológico y enfermedades neurodegenerativas

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OLFATO Y ENVEJECIMIENTO<br />

SENSE OF SMELL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AGEING AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES:<br />

II. AGEING AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES<br />

Summary. Introduction. The sense of smell, which was once studied because of its biological and evolutionary significance, is<br />

today one of the centres of interest in research on normal and pathological ageing. The latest scientific developments point to<br />

an inversely proportional relationship between age and olfactory sensitivity. In certain neurodegenerative diseases this<br />

sensory decline is one of the first symptoms of the disorder and is correlated with the progression of the disease. Development.<br />

In this work we are going to review the scientific knowledge on loss of sense of smell in ageing and in neurodegenerative<br />

diseases, with special attention given to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Conclusions. A survey of studies that have<br />

examined the olfactory deficits in ageing and in some neurodegenerative diseases offers conclusive results about the presence<br />

of these impairments in the early stages of these disorders and even among healthy elderly persons. Although a number of<br />

causes contribute to these sensory losses in physiological ageing, a common neurological foundation has been proposed for<br />

Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases. Nevertheless, despite certain initial similarities, the olfactory deficits shown in these<br />

disorders seem to be qualitatively different. [REV NEUROL 2009; 49: 363-9]<br />

Key words. Ageing. Alzheimer’s disease. Neurodegenerative disease. Olfactory tests. Parkinson’s disease. Sense of smell.<br />

REV NEUROL 2009; 49 (7): 363-369 369

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