Journal article
Association between olfaction and higher cortical functions in Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and healthy older adults
Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology, Vol.39(7), pp.646-658
08/09/2017
DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2016.1253667
PMID: 27868477
Abstract
Introduction: Neural regions important for smell are proximal and closely connected to cortical areas that have been strongly implicated in higher order functions of value-based decision making and emotional memory. The integrity of these neural regions are affected in aging and neurodegenerative conditions. Two specific predictions follow from these neuroanatomical arrangements-namely, that olfaction would be associated with value-based decision making and with emotional memory. Method: To test these predictions, we measured these different capacities in participants with presumed varying degrees of integrity of the relevant brain structures: specifically, 13 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 8 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 20 healthy older adults. The participants completed detailed tests of olfaction, value-based decision making, emotional memory, and general cognitive ability. Results: Olfactory functioning was significantly associated with emotional and nonemotional memory. The association was especially strong and consistent for memory recall with olfaction, explaining as much as 10% additional variance over and above general cognition. Olfactory functioning was not strongly or consistently associated with decision making over and above general cognition. Conclusion: Olfaction is a strong predictor of memory recall. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of olfaction and specific cognitive domains known to be affected by aging and implicated in neurodegenerative disease.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Association between olfaction and higher cortical functions in Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and healthy older adults
- Creators
- Amanda M Ward - Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of IowaMatthew Calamia - Department of Psychology, Louisiana State UniversityErin Thiemann - Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of IowaJamie Dunlap - Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of IowaDaniel Tranel - Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology, Vol.39(7), pp.646-658
- DOI
- 10.1080/13803395.2016.1253667
- PMID
- 27868477
- NLM abbreviation
- J Clin Exp Neuropsychol
- ISSN
- 1380-3395
- eISSN
- 1744-411X
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Group
- Grant note
- 220020387 / James S. McDonnell Foundation (10.13039/100000913)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/09/2017
- Academic Unit
- Neurology; Psychological and Brain Sciences; Iowa Neuroscience Institute
- Record Identifier
- 9984002359702771
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