Sense of smell linked to lifespan, research suggests

Measuring people's sense of smell in later life could help doctors predict how likely they are to be alive in five years' time, a PLOS One study suggests.

A survey of 3,000 adults found 39% with the poorest sense of smell were dead within five years - compared to just 10% who identified odours correctly, BBC News reports, citing the research.

Scientists say the loss of smell sense does not cause death directly, but may be an early warning sign.

They say anyone with long-lasting changes should seek medical advice.

Researchers from the University of Chicago asked a representative sample of adults between the ages of 57-85 to take part in a quick smell test.

The assessment involved identifying distinct odours encased on the tips of felt-tip pens.

The smells included peppermint, fish, orange, rose and leather.

Five years later some 39% of adults who had the lowest scores (4-5 errors) had passed away, compared with 19% with moderate smell loss and just 10% with a healthy sense of smell (0-1 errors).

Read more on the BBC website.