Odor recognition memory as a function of odor-naming performance.

A series of experiments sought to clarify the relationship between odor naming and memory by manipulating odor label availability during a dual naming-memory task. Experiment 1 demonstrated that recognition memory and odor naming were both better when the naming task provided participants with odor label alternatives. Consistent and correct odor naming was associated with nearly perfect memory, whereas inconsistent or incorrect naming was associated with very weak memory if any at all.

Characterization of the sniff magnitude test.

Objective: To evaluate the potential utility of the Sniff Magnitude Test (SMT) as a clinical measure of olfactory function.

Design: Between-subject designs were used to compare the SMT and University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) in study participants from a broad range of ages.

Subjects: A total of 361 individuals from retirement communities and an urban university and patients from an otolaryngology clinic.