Experts at KU otolaryngology in collaboration with KU neuropsychology and KU Alzheimer’s Disease Center are leading groundbreaking research to better understand how sensory dysfunction predicts risk of health conditions like dementia and can inform diagnosis of cognitive issues earlier and more accurately. For example, we have demonstrated that olfactory (smell) dysfunction accurately predicts dementia and that poor performance on multiple sensory tests is associated with significantly higher likelihood of having cognitive impairment. 

We perform sensory, physical ability, and cognitive testing and combine this data with machine learning algorithms to analyze patterns of responses. We look for unique patterns of responses – aka sensory phenotypes – that may be clues regarding diagnosis (if a disease is present) and prognosis (how people will do long term). Because many senses such as smell, hearing, and balance can be rehabilitated, identifying sensory deficits is important so that interventions can be initiated as early as possible to reduce, or even prevent, complications. 

Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease

In June 2022, our team received a $3.8 million 5-year grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the use of olfactory phenotypes as a noninvasive biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease and develop algorithms for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. We are actively enrolling individuals ages 50-85, and all along the spectrum of normal cognition through to Alzheimer’s Disease to participate in this study. 

Who: Adults age 50+ across the spectrum of cognition

Where: KU Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS and KU Clinical Research Center, 4350 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS

Timing: First visit with 3 annual follow-up visits, 1-1½ hours initial visit and 1 hour for follow-up

Benefits for participants: 

• Objective test results to discuss with their health care teams and families, and potentially assist in future care planning.
• Getting plugged in with the research team for future clinical trials aimed to retain (or improve) brain function over time.
• Contribute to the development and validation of noninvasive ways to screen for dementia, which could help others get the care they need. 
• Financial compensation for your time.

Participation involves having sense of smell tested, completing questionnaires and cognitive testing, doing brief physical activity test to gauge health & vitality, blood draw to look for plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease, and optional MRI of the brain. 

If you, or someone you know, is interested in participating in this research, fill out our interest form. Scan the QR code using your phone camera, and the link will direct you to a secure and confidential survey where you can input your contact information.  A research coordinator will contact you.

Related publications: 

Olfactory Phenotypes Differentiate Cognitively Unimpaired Seniors from Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Combined Machine Learning and Traditional Statistical Approach

Olfactory, Auditory, and Vestibular Performance: Multisensory Impairment Is Significantly Associated With Incident Cognitive Impairment 

This study is supported by the National Institute On Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01AG072624.

COVID-19 and Smell Dysfunction

Our team is researching olfactory dysfunction caused by COVID-19 as well as methods for rehabilitating smell loss. Long-haul post-COVID olfactory dysfunction is an emerging public health crisis, with over a million people impacted. Most people who experience loss of smell from COVID-19 will recover after a few weeks, but studies show that as many as 5% will have long-term issues. 

We are currently enrolling patients with COVID-19 related olfactory dysfunction in our study investigating if olfactory phenotypes (patterns of correct and incorrect responses on smell testing) are different when comparing smell loss from COVID to other causes like chronic sinusitis or dementia. We also seek to understand if olfactory phenotypes predict likelihood of recovery with smell rehabilitation techniques like olfactory training. 

If you, or someone you know, is interested in participating in this research, fill out our interest form. Scan the QR code using your phone camera, and the link will direct you to a secure and confidential survey where you can input your contact information.  A research coordinator will contact you.

Related publications:

Identifying Olfactory Phenotypes to Differentiate Between COVID-19 Olfactory Dysfunction and Sinonasal Inflammatory Disease

A Systematic Review of the Neuropathologic Findings of Post-Viral Olfactory Dysfunction: Implications and Novel Insight for the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Chemobrain

Cancer treatment may come with side effects. Some side effects, such as cognitive changes aka chemobrain/brain fog, can be frustrating and persist beyond treatment and into survivorship. 

We are currently studying how performance on smell and hearing tests relates to performance on cognitive tests in breast cancer survivors. We plan to also study how results from these tests may differ before, during, and after cancer treatment. 

If you, or someone you know, is interested in participating in this research, fill out our interest form. Scan the QR code using your phone camera, and the link will direct you to a secure and confidential survey where you can input your contact information.  A research coordinator will contact you.