Odor Identification Testing Can Assist in the Clinical Distinction Between Psychiatric Disorders and Neurological/Neurodegenerative Disorders

imageBackground/Objectives:

The aim was to identify whether performance on olfactory identification can distinguish neurological/neurodegenerative disorders (NNDs) from primary psychiatric disorders (PPDs).

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional retrospective study of inpatients assessed in Neuropsychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital. Data extracted from the admission records included: demographics, tobacco use, medical comorbidities, cognitive function using the Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Assessment Tool (NUCOG), and odor identification using the Sniffin’ Sticks Screening 12 test. The final diagnosis for patients was informed by established diagnostic criteria.

Results:

A total 121 patients were included. Eighty-eight patients (73%) were diagnosed with neurological or neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimers dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body…

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