Some of these studies are conducted at several chemosensory research centers, where scientists work together to unravel the secrets of smell and taste disorders. Remarkable progress has been made in establishing the nature of changes that occur in the chemical senses with age. It is now known that age takes a much greater toll on smell than on taste. Scientists have found that the sense of smell begins to decline after age 60. Women at all ages are generally more accurate than men in identifying odors.
Smoking can adversely affect the ability of both men and women to identify odors.
Scientists are working to find medicines similar to anti-allergy drugs that can be used to treat patients with chemosensory losses. Smell and taste cells are the only sensory cells that are regularly replaced throughout the life span. Scientists are examining these phenomena which may provide ways to replace these and other damaged sensory and nerve cells. Proper diagnosis by a trained professional, for example, an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, is important. These physicians specialize in disorders of the head and neck, especially those related to the ear, nose and throat.