ABSTRACT
Background: Olfaction dysfunction is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, therefore the evaluation of this function is becoming important Aim: To evaluate olfaction in healthy participants. Material and Methods: We evaluated 44 healthy males and 55 females, aged 21 to 89 years with the sniffing sticks battery to determine normal values in Chilean population. During the test, participants must correctly identify 12 different odors. Results: Normal olfaction, hyposmia and anosmia were defined. An age related decline in olfaction was observed, especially among males aged 59 years or more. Conclusions: This study provides age and gender specific normal values for the sniffing sticks battery.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Odorants , Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis , Parkinson Disease/diagnosis , Smell/physiology , Age Factors , Aging/physiology , Chile , Early Diagnosis , Olfaction Disorders/physiopathology , Reference ValuesABSTRACT
The current concept of Parkinson Disease comprises a group of non-motor symptoms. Among these, dysautonomia is a common problem that deteriorates the quality oflife ofpatients. In this article we review the most common dysautonomic manifestations that are observed in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, urinary, genital and skin systems. Their possible role as risk factors, premotor symptoms and their implications in the pathogenesis of Parkinson Disease are discussed. A general appro-ach to the main syndromes, based in the available evidence and in our experience is also presented.