Olfactory Dysfunction and Impulsivity: a study
At Maastricht University BSc-student Marit Joris, together with Nose-board-member Garmt, inventoried what is known about the relationship between Olfactory Dysfunction and Impulsivity:
Olfactory disorders affect a substantial part of the general population and are often underdiagnosed despite their significant impact on quality of life. Beyond sensory deficits, olfactory dysfunction has been increasingly linked with psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) may serve as a neurobiological bridge between olfactory dysfunction and elevated impulsivity. Understanding this relationship could offer valuable insights into underlying brain mechanisms relevant to clinical and forensic populations. Regardless of the emerging evidence, the exact nature and strength of these relationships remain unclear. There is a lack of comprehensive research exploring how olfactory impairments relate to impulsive behavior and whether OFC dysfunction plays a mediating role. Clarifying this link is essential to assess the potential of olfactory dysfunction as a practical marker for impulsivity-related dysfunction. A narrative and integrative review was conducted, including 19 empirical studies published between 1995 and 2025. Studies were identified through targeted keyword searches in PubMed and Google Scholar. Findings were thematically organized around five core domains. The review revealed a consistent negative relationship between olfactory functioning and impulsivity, particularly in clinical and forensic populations. OFC dysfunction has frequently been linked to both reduced olfactory performance and elevated impulsivity, suggesting a shared neurobiological basis. Olfactory dysfunction, impulsivity, and OFC dysfunction appear closely interconnected. While causal directions remain uncertain, the findings highlight the potential value of olfactory testing as a non-invasive indicator of impulsivity-related risk.
Joris, M. (2025). Olfactory Dysfunction and Impulsivity: Investigating Orbitofrontal Cortex Mechanisms. Bachelor’s Thesis Mental Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.