A Standardized Test for Evaluation of Olfactory Function for the Russian Population

Abstract

We have tested the original version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) on a population of Central Russia including groups of different ages residing in the city area and in the rural part of the country. Our results demonstrate that the UPSIT is applicable for evaluation of olfactory function within the population of Central Russia and allows us to detect age-related differences in olfactory function. However, several odor samples presented within the original UPSIT proved to be unfamiliar to the subjects due to cultural differences. We have identified and tested odor items that may replace poorly recognizable items of the original UPSIT. Thus, we have developed a culturally adapted version of the UPSIT to be used within the population of Central Russia.