Olfactory dysfunction (OD) describes a range of issues associated with the sense of smell, including the inability to smell (anosmia), a reduced sense of smell (hyposmia) and a distorted sense of smell, where things smell different to the way they should (parosmia).

Pre-Covid European population studies have suggested that persistent anosmia affects 1-5% of the population, with all forms of olfactory disorders affecting about 20%, increasing over the age >60 1-3; Based on European estimates4, anosmia is more prevalent in the UK than reported rates of profound hearing loss or blindness.

OD affects all age groups but is particularly prevalent in the older section of the population; many people will start to lose their sense of smell as part of the ageing process. Based on European population studies of OD and analysis of the UK population as of 2021, existing data shows that approximately:

  • 13% of people between the ages of 60-69 (just under 1 million people) may have OD
  • 25% of people between the ages of 70-79 (around 1.5 million people) may have OD
  • 55% of people above the ages of 80 (over 1.8 million people) may have OD
  • 4.2 million people over the age of 65 live alone, more than 1 in 4 of them may have OD

The impact of olfactory dysfunction on people’s physical and mental health, wellbeing and safety is significant.  People can often experience poorer mental health by being unable to smell their partners and children, the places they visit or enjoy the flavours of their food and drink. Physical health can then suffer as people’s diet changes, which subsequently impacts nutrition. Safety and wellbeing at home is put at risk through being unable to smell gas, smoke or knowing when food has gone off and is unfit to eat. The fear and anxiety caused by being unable to smell these dangers further exacerbates the toll on mental health.

There is also a growing body of evidence pointing to olfactory dysfunction as being a significant factor in poorer health in later life. Research has demonstrated links between a poor sense of smell and frailty, as an early indicator of neurodegenerative disease, and of increased risk of mortality.

However, people don’t always realise they have a poor sense of smell, particularly if it deteriorates gradually over time.  The fact that testing of the sense of smell happens, at present, in a relatively small number of specialist clinics is a factor in this too. 

There are things that can be done to help people live well with a smell disorder, starting out with an awareness and understanding of the issue and how it can affect people’s lives, along with food tips, safety advice, peer support and more, all of which are part of the information and services provided by Fifth Sense, the charity for people affected by smell and taste disorders.

Information provided by Duncan Boak, CEO and founder, Fifth Sense
Fifth Sense is registered as a charity in England and Wales No. 1175553 and as a Private Company Limited by Guarantee No. 10255303.  Our registered office is at Unit 2, Franklins House, Wesley Lane, Bicester OX26 6JU

posted 4 July 2023