Olfactory decline profiles and their association with dementia conversion in an older population with 12 years of follow‐up

We identified profiles based on olfactory decline trajectories in a sample that was initially cognitively normal. Participants with lower baseline olfaction and more rapid olfactory decline were grouped together, and these profiles were associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, as compared to participants who maintained their olfactory ability. Our results point towards a relatively early onset of dementia-related olfactory decline. Intact olfactory ability in older age may indicate low risk of dementia conversion. As such longitudinal screening of olfaction may offer prognostic value.