[Evaluation of olfaction in healthy subjects using the Sniffing Sticks battery].

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.