The sniffing bead system, an olfactory dysfunction screening tool for geriatric subjects: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to develop a simple and one-off olfactory screening test, the sniffing bead system, for general clinical use in older adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, geriatric subjects (aged > 50 years) who underwent neurocognitive and olfactory function tests were included. Overall, 137 subjects were enrolled, and the study was conducted at Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea. Olfactory function was measured by obtaining the scores of the sniffing bead system using 2-phenylethyl alcohol, n-butanol, and the YSK olfactory function test. Time taken for each olfactory function test was also measured. Results: The score of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead test was 2.58 ± 1.52, which was significantly associated with the YSK_threshold (2.41 ± 1.79) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.429), YSK_identification (8.93 ± 3.25) (p = 0.014, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.208) and YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (17.46 ± 5.49) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.316) test scores. In the normal cognitive function group, YSK_threshold ( p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.479 ) , YSK_identification ( p = 0.003, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.316 ), and YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.429) were significantly correlated with the scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system. In the impaired cognitive function group, the YSK_threshold (p = 0.002, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.415 ) and YSK_ threshold-discrimination-identification (p = 0.004, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.385 ) were significantly correlated with the scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system. Time taken for the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system was 5.00 ± 1.51 min, which was significantly lower than that for the YSK_threshold-discrimination-identification (20.43 ± 5.29 min) (p < 0.001). The scores of the 2-phenylethyl alcohol sniffing bead system were significantly correlated with those of the n-butanol sniffing bead system (3.50 ± 1.21) (p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.315). Conclusions: This sniffing bead system was specifically designed for screening olfactory function in older adults, and it may allow for the rapid and accurate assessment of olfactory dysfunction.

The Sniffing Bead System as a Useful Diagnostic Tool for Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19

“…It takes lesser than 5 minutes, which is much shorter than conventional olfactory function test, and easy to perform. 5) As a screening test, the results correlated with the results of threshold-discriminationidentification score of conventional olfactory function test in patients with/without cognitive impairment. 5) Furthermore, the beads used in sniffing bead system are designed for single-use.…”

“…5) As a screening test, the results correlated with the results of threshold-discriminationidentification score of conventional olfactory function test in patients with/without cognitive impairment. 5) Furthermore, the beads used in sniffing bead system are designed for single-use. It can be performed immediately at clinic by doctor during physical examination.…”

“…As this patient showed a continuous positive result for the COVID-19 test, we decided to perform a sniffing bead test, which was previously developed for screening olfactory dysfunction in geriatrics. 5) Unlike the conventional olfactory function test performed in our country, this is a one-off system, and any odor familiar to the patient can be packed into the beads. The sniffing bead system consists of several small beads (7 mm in diameter) and a handpiece composed of a disposable plastic capsule that releases the odor after bead insertion (Fig.…”

“…3). 5) The beads containing the odorants are intended for a single use, and the handpiece is wrapped in plastic vinyl. Therefore, we concluded that the sniffing bead system could be used for COVID-19 patients without the potential risk of virus spread.…”

Olfaction and anosmia: From ancient times to COVID-19

“…Impaired olfaction may predict faster cognitive decline (with lower volume in the fusiform gyrus and the middle temporal cortex, including the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex) and indicate neurodegeneration in the brain among dementiafree older adults [52]. Recently, the "sniffing bead system" was specifically designed for screening olfactory function in older adults [53].…”