Clinical importance of testing olfactory functions for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases

Smell plays an important part in the life of man. During ageing physiological deterioration of smell occurs. Olfactory dysfunctions were observed in many diseases. Despite this deterioration of smell or its complete absence do not threaten directly man's life but can be an important signal of the beginning of a pathological process. It has been known for a long time that loss of smell is one of the first symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. In other countries relatively simple and effective olfactory tests were developed which are successfully used and help in clinical practice with a correct diagnosis. In the submitted article the authors mention the olfactory tests used most frequently abroad, tests which could facilitate and make more objective examination of olfactory capacity also in this country and thus help with early and correct diagnosis.