Rawson Nancy E
Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Sci Aging Knowledge Environ. 2006 Feb 8;2006(5):pe6. doi: 10.1126/sageke.2006.5.pe6.
Olfactory loss is a common age-related complaint that may be caused by changes in the anatomy of the structures required for olfaction (for example, loss of olfactory receptor cells) or in the environment surrounding the receptor cell (for example, altered nasal mucus composition). However, aging, as well as age-related diseases and medications, may also alter the distribution, density, or function of specific receptor proteins, ion channels, or signaling molecules that affect the ability of neural elements throughout the olfactory pathway to signal and process odorant information. Although a great deal has been learned about the prevalence and nature of age-related olfactory loss, we are just beginning to explore avenues to prevent or alleviate this sensory deficit. Some studies suggest that, rather than being a necessary outcome of aging, age-associated factors such as chronic diseases, medications, and dental and sinus problems are the primary culprits in causing olfactory impairment. This idea suggests optimism in that, as we address these other age-related health issues, the prevalence of olfactory loss will lessen as well.
嗅觉丧失是一种常见的与年龄相关的症状，可能由嗅觉所需结构的解剖学变化（例如，嗅觉受体细胞的丧失）或受体细胞周围环境的变化（例如，鼻黏液成分改变）引起。然而，衰老以及与年龄相关的疾病和药物也可能改变特定受体蛋白、离子通道或信号分子的分布、密度或功能，这些都会影响整个嗅觉通路中神经元传递和处理气味信息的能力。尽管我们已经对与年龄相关的嗅觉丧失的患病率和性质有了很多了解，但我们才刚刚开始探索预防或减轻这种感觉缺陷的途径。一些研究表明，与年龄相关的因素，如慢性疾病、药物以及牙齿和鼻窦问题，而非衰老的必然结果，才是导致嗅觉障碍的主要原因。这个观点带来了乐观的预期，即随着我们解决这些其他与年龄相关的健康问题，嗅觉丧失的患病率也会降低。
