ABSTRACT
Olfaction is the sensation arising from the nasal cavity following stimulation of the olfactory epithelium by volatile compounds. A normal sense of smell plays a vital role in the enjoyment of food and detection of environmental hazards, and some occupations depend heavily on an intact sense of smell (e.g. cooks and wine tasters). Olfactory perception has a strong association with memory and emotion, owing to projections into the limbic system. Olfactory symptoms may also be the primary manifestation of serious intracranial pathology. European studies have described a 20 per cent prevalence of olfactory dysfunction, composed of approximately 14 per cent with hyposmia and 6 per cent with anosmia. Men appear to perform less well in olfactory testing, and olfactory sensitivity deteriorates with age.
