Phantosmia as a Potential Indicator of Cognitive Impairment

Sunday, October 12, 2025

9:36 AM - 9:42 AM EDT

Location: 125

Disclosure(s):

Shahed Mohamed, MD, MPH:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Satish Govindaraj, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Phantosmia, the perception of non-existent odors, has been reported in individuals with cognitive impairment. Its etiology may involve disruptions in the peripheral olfactory mucosa or central olfactory pathways. However, the association between phantosmia and cognitive impairment remains largely unexplored. To evaluate the association between phantosmia and cognitive impairment.

Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based study utilized data from the NHANES 2013–2014 survey to investigate the relationship between phantosmia and cognitive impairment in adults aged ≥60 years. Phantosmia was defined as perceiving odors without an external source, assessed via a standardized interview. Cognitive function was classified as impaired or non-impaired using CERAD scores ( < 21 indicating impairment). Multivariable logistic regression models were employed, adjusting for demographics and other relevant covariates.

Results: The analysis included 1,785 adults. Individuals with phantosmia were more likely to be female, White, have asthma, live below the poverty line, and smoke cigarettes or marijuana. Phantosmia was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR]: 1.184; P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that individuals with cognitive impairment are more likely to report phantosmia than those with normal cognitive function.

Conclusions: Phantosmia is strongly associated with cognitive impairment, highlighting its potential as an early indicator of cognitive decline. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms linking phantosmia and cognitive function.

Presenting Author(s)

Shahed Mohamed, MD, MPH

Aspiring ENT
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York City, NY, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Senior Author(s)

Shahed Mohamed, MD, MPH

Aspiring ENT
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York City, NY, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Co-Author(s)

AM

Ahmed Mohamed, N/A

Medical Student
University of Medical Sciences and Technology, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
MM

Mustafa Mohamed, MBBS

Countess of Chester Hospital, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
AG

Adama Gamby, BEE

Stony Brook University, New York, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
SG

Satish Govindaraj, MD

Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-HNS
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Rye Brook, NY, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Jonathan B. Overdevest, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, NY, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.