Solvent-associated olfactory dysfunction: not a predictor of deficits in learning and memory.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate associations between olfactory dysfunction and aberrations in learning and memory after chronic occupational exposure to mixed hydrocarbon solvents.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional, epidemiologic study of 187 paint manufacturing workers. The authors administered quantitative tests of olfactory function (the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test) and neurobehavioral function (eight computer- and examiner-administered tests of learning and memory) to workers for whom detailed information was available on lifetime occupational exposure to solvents.


RESULTS
Olfactory function test scores were positively correlated with performance on seven of eight of the tests of learning and memory in bivariate analyses. After adjustment for important confounding variables (i.e., age, vocabulary score, and cumulative exposure to hydrocarbon solvents) with multiple linear regression, olfactory function scores predicted performance only on the Wechsler Memory Scale Delayed Logical Memory test.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the data did not reveal that olfactory dysfunction was correlated with decrements in various memory functions.
Schwartz
B S
BS
Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Ford
D P
DP
Bolla
K I
KI
Agnew
J
J
Bleecker
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010150:Paint / Q000633:toxicity; D011336:Probability; D012903:Smell / Q000187:drug effects*; D012997:Solvents / Q000633:toxicity*; D014888:Wechsler Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D012997:Solvents