# Losing Your Sense Of Smell May Signal Faster Muscle Decline With Age

*Olfaction and Muscle Strength in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article
- **Journal**: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
- **Sample Size**: 2,348 adults aged 71-82
- **Authors**: Liu R, Chen H, Li C, Kucharska-Newton A, Simonsick EM, Yuan Y
- **Published**: 2026-05-11
- **Topics**: sarcopenia, olfaction, aging biomarkers
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glag125
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42116594/

## Summary

In adults aged 71 to 82, those who had lost their sense of smell lost grip strength faster over seven years. Men with anosmia also lost more quadriceps strength, though women did not show the same leg muscle effect. The link suggests smell loss may be an early warning sign of neuromuscular aging.

## Practical Takeaway

This study suggests a noticeable drop in smell may warrant attention to muscle and strength health.

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