Method and system for evaluation and diagnosis of olfactory capacity in humans

Abstract

A multimodal system that measures one or more parameters relating to an individual's response to the presentation of a scent / odor stimuli and providing an evaluation of olfactory function in the individual based on the measure(s). In some instances, the system can be used to determine if the olfactory deficit in the individual is due to underlying olfactory pathology or non-olfactory causes. The system can also further differentiate non-olfactory causes to knowledge or memory-based deficiencies in the individual. The system can include at least two scents from at least two distinct scent families which are presented an individual. The system can also include a questionnaire that evaluates scent classification, description, and discrimination ability of an individual in connection with the presented scents. The system can also include the measurement of neurophysiological activity through an electroencephalogram (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), in response to scent presentation.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EVALUATION AND DIAGNOSIS OF OLFACTORY CAPACITY IN HUMANSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 640,855, filed on April 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] In general, various embodiments of this invention relate to methods and systems for monitoring and evaluating the operation of the olfactory system of an individual and, more specifically, to an evaluation system that measures physiological and non-physiological responses to at least two scents selected from two distinct scent families.BACKGROUND

[0003] Detection and processing of sensory signals and / or cues is a critical function of the nervous system, a function that is often impacted in health and disease. The olfactory system is one such sensory system that holds important physiological roles in the health and function of the nervous system and is one that is also impaired / impacted in several disease states. Across multiple disease indications, including but not limited to, viral infections, neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and malnutrition, olfactory function is affected. In particular conditions, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, reduced olfactory system performance is an early indicator / predictive factor of disease susceptibility. In other conditions such as hyposmia and anosmia the primary clinical feature is a reduction or ablation of olfactory system function. Lastly, olfactory system performance is an emerging biomarker of recovery / resolution of viral infections such as CO VID. Thus, systems that can perform evaluations of the olfactory system hold tremendous clinical potential and value for the healthcare system and broader biomedical enterprise.

[0004] To date, conventional systems that perform evaluations of the olfactory system rely on the presentation of olfactory stimuli, scents, and subsequent classification / identification of the scent(s) by the user. These results serve as a proxy of olfactory performance / capability. However, these evaluation systems feature inherent technical and construct limitations that reduce their predictive validity and value. For example, conventional systems select scents from fruit and floral scent classes as olfactory stimuli, but these are only two of the numerous scent families the human olfactory system is capable of recognizing (over one trillion distinct scents across these families). As such, present systems do not adequately assay and test the vast breadth of olfactory stimuli recognized by the nervous system. Thus, results from present tests only offer a partial view of olfactory system performance.

[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for improved methods for monitoring and / or evaluating an individual’s olfactory system.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a system that measures one or more parameters (e.g., those related to smell and / or neurophysiology) of an individual and leverages this information to determine if an olfactory deficit is present and classifies the type of deficit accordingly. In various embodiments, the parameters related to smell are based on the presentation of two or more scents / odors from at least two distinct scent classes. The presentation of scents / odors stimuli from at least two distinct scent families increases the representative smell classes evaluated by the system, offering a more comprehensive assessment / survey of the olfactory system. With current approaches, the use of limited scent classes provides a narrow scope of assessment of olfactory function in a user. Additionally, this limitation reduces the granularity of olfactory information that can be derived from a subject which limits downstream applications. The benefit of the present system is theopportunity to assay and determine the olfactory status of distinct scent classes across the olfactory stimuli spectrum in a user. This provides robust coverage of the scent spectrum, effectively offering a more accurate and detailed assessment of the olfactory system than what is offered by current systems. This information is then amenable for advanced analyses of specific scent / odor deficiencies that can be further evaluated with additional measures. In various embodiments, the additional measure is a neurophysiological recording. Neurophysiological recordings are a measure of activity of the nervous system. In various embodiments, the neurophysiological recordings are collected through an electroencephalogram (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measures brain waves through non-invasive scalp recordings. These recordings paired with the presentation of two or more scent / odor stimuli from at least two odor classes offer an empirical assessment of brain activity in response to diverse scent / odor stimuli presentation.

[0007] In addition to the inability to provide a holistic report of olfactory system function, present systems additionally feature classification systems prone to false reporting of olfactory system performance. For example, present tests rely on the operating assumptions that a user possesses the necessary vocabulary, previous exposure to the presented scent(s), and / or memory function to perform the identification / classification task. Assessments based on these frameworks are prone to false reporting due to well-established non-olfactory factors that affect the ability of the user to perform the test. Thus, differentiating between lack of recognition of a scent due to underlying olfactory deficits as opposed to non-olfactory deficits with current technology is not possible.

[0008] Current tests solely rely on user reported classifications of scents, primarily from limited scent classes such as fruit or floral scent families. A limitation of this approach is the inability to detect multiple modes of failure when a user is classified as having an olfactory deficit. More specifically, a user may report an incorrect scent classification due to anunderlying cause that is unrelated to olfactory function. This can include, but is not limited to, a lack of appropriate vocabulary to correctly classify and / or describe the scent / odor due to linguistic / cultural differences. Additionally, the non-olfactory deficit can include a knowledge deficit where the user has not previously encountered the scent / odor or the user has a memory deficit and as a result is unable to accurately perform the scent / odor classification / description. Differentiating between these multiple methods of failure improves the accuracy of an olfactory assessment system and further narrows / pinpoints the true deficiency of the user. This ability to differentiate between olfactory and non-olfactory based deficiencies is another advantage of the present system. In various embodiments this is achieved through presentation of queries that extend beyond classification and include emotional / affective description of the presented scents / odors. In various embodiments, the user is asked to describe the strength of the scent. In various embodiments the user is asked to describe fragrance tones within a scent / odor presentation. In various embodiments, the additional measure is the EEG or fMRI recording paired with the scents / odors presentation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a olfactory status monitoring system according to one embodiment; andFIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing a method for monitoring and evaluating an individual’s olfactory system according to one embodiment.FIG.3A-D are schematic representations of an example smell test that holds 16 pods. Measurements are shown in inches.FIG.4A is a schematic representation of an example workflow that a user would undergo when using the example smell test of FIG.3A-D. FIG. 4B is an example results summary of a user who receives a olfactory issue diagnosis with the workflow described in FIG.4A. FIG. 4C is an example results summary of a user who receives a memory / knowledge issue diagnosis with the workflow described in FIG.4A.DESCRIPTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an olfactory status monitoring system that measures at least one parameter related to an individual and provides an evaluation based on the parameter to determine the olfactory status of the individual.Although this disclosure primarily describes a system for evaluation of the olfactory system, in other embodiments the system can be paired or used in conjunction with therapeutic agents and / or clinical interventions for the restoration of the olfactory status of an individual.Further, in general, the system can be used in any situation in which a parameter is measured, evaluation of the parameter is performed, and a diagnosis or determination is made, for example, in clinical applications for use in determining the health status of a patient or individual. Certain embodiments of the system are described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] In various embodiments, as depicted for example in FIG. 1, the present disclosure includes a multi-parameter based olfactory status monitoring system 100 for evaluating and determining the olfactory status of an individual 101, in some cases the system 100 can assist in diagnosis of clinical conditions (e.g. COVID-19). The system 100 includes at least two olfactory stimuli or smell samples from at least two scent / olfactory classes or families 102-103. In general, the olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103 are stored in a medium, wherein the medium can be based in a liquid, solid, gaseous, or a combination thereof state. The medium can be further encapsulated in a material or device that controls the release of the olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103. For example, if the olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103 are gas-based, the medium may be further encapsulated in a device that allows for controlled release of the gas that contains the olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103. Additionally, the controlled release of the gas-based olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103 can take the form of a compressed gas system such as a olfactometer. In another example, if the storage medium of olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103 is liquid-based, the medium can be stored and released from a liquid vaporizer or atomizer to present the user 101 with the olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103. Additionally, the liquid olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103 can be stored or loaded on a solid medium with absorbent properties (such as a wax (examples can include: paraffin, soybean, candelilla, animal, polyethylene, sunflower, granulated, petrolatum, beeswax, carnauba, mineral, microcrystalline, slack wax, palm, petroleum, synthetic, natural, or a combination thereof) or cotton) that is further encapsulated in a device with a controlled release mechanism, wherein the controlled release mechanism can be a lid or cover. In another example, the olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103 are embedded in a physical substrate and can be exposed to the user 101 through a scratch-and-sniff mechanism wherein abrasion of the physical substrate presents the olfactory stimuli or smell / scent samples 102-103 to the user 101. Each of mediums can contain various concentrations of the olfactory stimuli or smell / scent samples 102-103.

[0012] In various embodiments, olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103 are selected from at least two different scent or olfactory families. In general, any known scent classification system can be used in selecting the two different scents / smells or olfactoryfamilies. Example scent or olfactory families can be selected from the following classification systems fragrance (example families: mossy woods, green, fruity, floral, dry woods, citrus, aromatic, woody oriental, woody, water, soft oriental, soft floral, or oriental), human perception (example families: popcorn, non-citrus fruity, minty, lemon, fragrant, chemical / hydrocarbon, woody / resinous, sweet, sickening, or sharp / pungent), drinking water (example families: fragrant, fishy / rancid, earthy / musty / moldy, chlorinous / ozonous, chemical / hydrocarbon, medicinal / phenolic, marshy / septic / sulphureous, or grassy / woody), compost (example families: putrid / dead animal, grassy / woody, fragrant / fruity, fishy / ammonia, fecal / sewery, earthy / musty / moldy, terpenes / pine / lemon, sweet, sulfur / cabbage / garlic, solvent / hydrocarbon, or rancid), city smell (example families: nonfood items, nature, industrial odors, food, cleaning materials, building materials & construction, beverage, waste, traffic emissions, tobacco smoke, synthetic, or people and animals), wine (example families: herbaceous, fruity, floral, earthy, chemical / hydrocarbon, caramel, woody, spices, pungent, nutty, or microbiological), waste water (example families: grassy / woody, fragrant / fruity, fecal / sewery, earthy / mushy / moldy, chlorinous, ammonia, sulfur / cabbage / garlic, solvent / hydrocarbon, rancid / putrid, nose feel, or medicinal / alcohol), urban odor (example families: rancid, fuel / gas station / solvent, fragrant / fruity, fecal / sewery, earthy / musty / moldy, bakery, terpenes / pine / lemon, sweet, sulfur / cabbage / garlic, or restaurant), perfumes (example families: foul, aromatic, ambrosial, alliaceous, nauseating, hircine, or fragrant), or other (example families: fresh, estery, dry fruit, dry, dairy, cooked, coal tar, cloth, clean, chocolate, characteristic, burnt, brown, boiled, bloody, bland, bitter, beverage, balsamic, baked, zesty, ylang, waxy, vegetation, vegetables, spices, smokey, salty, rotten, ripe / unripe, raw, poultry, plants, other, non-vegetarian, microbial, metallic, grains, ozonic, powdery / musk, gourmand, or fried). In certain embodiments, the two olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103 are selected from at least two different scent or olfactory familiescomprise scents selected from the same classification system (e.g human perception, fragrance, drinking water, compost, city smell, wine, waste water, urban odor, perfumes, or other). In certain embodiments, the two olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103 are selected from at least two different scent or olfactory families comprise scents selected across the classification systems (e.g human perception, fragrance, drinking water, compost, city smell, wine, waste water, urban odor, perfumes, or other). In various embodiments, the at least two olfactory stimuli or smell samples 102-103 are presented in one or more concentrations to the user 101.

[0013] In various embodiments, the smell test 104 can be administered through multiple means that allow for the evaluation of an individual’s olfactory and non-olfactory capabilities / status. In various embodiments, the administration of the smell test 104 can occur verbally, in written form, or electronically. As an example of the verbal administration of the smell test 104, an individual is asked a series of questions (examples described in additional detail in the following section) and their response is recorded in relation to the presented scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103. As an example of the written administration of the smell test 104, an individual is presented with a written or printed questionnaire that includes questions (examples described in additional detail in the following section) paired with multiple choice (MC) or open-ended responses whose responses are recorded in relation to the presented scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103. As an example of the electronic administration of the smell test 104, an individual is presented with an electronic questionnaire that includes questions (examples described in additional detail in the following section) paired with multiple choice or open-ended responses that are recorded in relation to the presented scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103.

[0014] In various embodiments, the smell test 104 includes questions directed towards the evaluation of an individual’s olfactory and non-olfactory capabilities / status. In variousembodiments, the smell test 104 is a multidimensional test that can evaluate scent / smell identification, scent / smell description, smell / scent intensity, and / or emotional / affective responses in relation to the presented scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103. An example of scent / smell identification questions includes multiple choice questions posed to an individual 101 that allow for evaluation of an individual’s ability to correctly identify the scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103 based on its name when presented with multiple options or to write in the name of the scent / smell if presented with an open-ended question. In some cases, the number of multiple options is at least 2 scent / smell options and can be more. In some cases, the options are selected from individual scents from one or more scent or olfactory families. An example of the scent / smell description questions paired with the presentation of scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103 to an individual 101 includes selection or writing-in of descriptors that most closely align with the scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103. These descriptors can include any known smell / scent / odorant description system. An example description system can include, but is not limited to, the following example descriptors: fruit, fish, garlic, spices, cold, sour, burnt, acid, warm, musky, sweaty, bakery, sweet, urinous, decayed, wood, grass, flower, and chemical. The presentation of the scent / smell description questions can, for example, occur in multiple choice format where the user 101 is asked to select one or more options that they believe most closely aligns with the scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103. In some cases, the number of options is at least 2 descriptors and can be more. In some cases, the options are selected from any known smell / scent / odorant description system. Additionally, the smell / scent / odorant description questions can also include user-provided descriptors in response to the presentation of scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103 to an individual 101. An example of the scent / smell intensity question paired with the presentation of scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103 to an individual 101 includes selection ofan intensity rating that most closely aligns with the scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103. In some cases, the intensity rating can be any known numerical or categorial scale / system. An example of a numerical intensity rating scale can include any known range of integers and / or float values. An example of a categorical intensity rating scale can include adjectives such as : weak, moderate, strong, etc. Any of the scent / smell intensity rating scales / systems can occur on a sliding scale and / or in multiple choice format with multiple options or in a user-inputted value format. In some cases, the number of options is at least 2 numerical or categorical values / options and can be more that denote the intensity of the scent / smell. In some cases, the options are selected from any known smell / scent / odorant intensity system. An example of scent / smell emotional / affective questions includes multiple choice / sliding scale / open-ended questions posed to an individual 101 that allow for evaluation of an individual’s ability to correctly identify the emotional / affective valence of scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103. In some cases, any known emotional / affective categorization system can be utilized. Example emotional / affective categorization systems can include numerical or categorical rating scales / systems. An example of a numerical rating scale for characterization of smell / scent / odorant emotional / affective properties includes assessment of pleasantness and / or unpleasantness. In some cases, pleasantness and / or unpleasantness is assessed on a numerical scale that can include any known range of integers and / or float values. In some cases, scent / smell pleasantness and / or unpleasantness rating can occur on a sliding scale, in multiple choice format with multiple options, or in a user-inputted value format. In some cases, the number of options is at least 2 numerical or categorical values / options and can be more. In some cases, the options are selected from any known smell / scent / odorant emotional / affective rating system.

[0015] In various embodiments, evaluation of answers to the smell test 104 in response to the presentation scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli 102-103 allows for the determination of the olfactory status 105 or 106 of an individual 101. In some cases, responses that deviate from the predetermined correct answers are classified as incorrect. When a certain threshold of all of the questions and / or classes of questions are classified as correctly answered, an individual is determined to have an intact olfactory status 105. In some cases, the threshold of correct overall answers can be based on alignment with normative, olfactory-intact responses amongst age, culture, and / or gender-matched individuals / data sources. In some cases, the alignment can be based on absolute or relative thresholds which can optionally be determined by empirical and / or statistical means. Additionally, responses to classes of questions (smell / scent / odor identification / characterization, intensity assessment, and / or emotional / affective characterization) can be examined through a similar analysis processes and specific determinations of classes of olfactory status is possible. If a determination of an potentially impaired olfactory system 106 is made it can feature responses that deviate from the normative, olfactory-intact responses amongst age, culture and / or gender-matched individuals / data sources. In some cases, the alignment can be based on absolute or relative thresholds which can optionally be determined by empirical and / or statistical means.

[0016] In various embodiments, if a determination of an potentially impaired olfactory system 106 is made, additional examination of the answers to the smell test 104 is performed to determine if a true olfactory is present, described in greater detail in subsequent sections.

[0017] If a true olfactory deficiency is determined 206 based on answers to the smell test 104, described in greater detail in subsequent sections, brain activity monitoring technology 107 is utilized to confirm the determination 207. In some cases, the brain activity monitoring technology 107 can include any known system / method that allows for the assessment of physiological signals from the nervous system. In some cases, the brain activity monitoringtechnology 107 can include systems such as electroencephalogram (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), regional oximetry monitoring (ROM), and / or , magnetoencephalography (MEG). Brain activity monitoring technology 107 is then paired with a olfactory stimuli with known brain activity modulating effects. In some cases, example brain activity measures can include examination olfactory event related potentials (OERPs). Additionally, in the case of EEG, the following power spectra bands can be utilized for examining brain activity: delta (0-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz) beta (13-30 Hz) and gamma (>30 Hz) waves. Example scents / smell samples / olfactory stimuli and their EEG responses include the following examples: galaxolide-reduced alpha waves, birch tar / jasmine / lavender / lemon- increased theta waves, m-Xylene / 5-a-Androstan-3- one / bangalol / white sapphire / indole / linalylacetate / eucalyptus oil / ammonia / valeric acid- increased alpha waves, lavender-increased beta waves, rosemary-increased alpha waves and decreased beta waves, chocolate-reduced theta waves, and valerian extract- increased delta and theta waves and reduced beta waves. As such, pairing these or other scents / smells / olfactory stimuli with brain activity monitoring technology 107, such as EEG, offers a tractable method for measuring physiological responses to scents / smells / olfactory stimuli and when paired with the smell test 104 offers a robust system for olfactory status determination and confirmation.

[0018] In various embodiments, as depicted for example in FIG. 2, the present disclosure includes a multi-parameter based olfactory status monitoring method 200 for evaluating and determining the olfactory status of an individual 201, in some cases the system 200 can assist in diagnosis of clinical conditions (e.g. COVID-19).

[0019] The first step features presenting a user with at least 2 smell samples from at least 2 distinct smell families 201. As described in previous sections, the smell samples can be chosen from any known scent classification system and through various means (gas, physical,liquid, or a combination thereof). The user is subsequently presented with a smell test / questionnaire 202, that facilitates the initial evaluation of an individual’s olfactory and non-olfactory capabilities / status, as described in detail in previous sections. In various embodiments, the questionnaire 202 is a multidimensional test that can evaluate scent / smell identification, scent / smell description, smell / scent intensity, and / or emotional / affective responses in relation to the presented smell samples 201, described in detail in previous sections. Evaluation of the user responses follow details disclosed in previous sections and can lead to two initial determinations: no olfactory deficit 203 or potential olfactory deficit 204. In some cases, if a potential olfactory deficit 204 determination is made user responses are further analyzed. For example, if an individual incorrectly classifies and / or describes the smell samples 201 but correctly identifies their intensity and / or emotional / affective valence, the determination would indicate no olfactory deficit is present and instead a knowledge or memory deficit 205 is present. In another example, if an individual incorrectly classifies / describes the smell samples 201 , along with their intensity and / or emotional / affective valence and underlying olfactory deficiency is determined 206.

[0020] If a underlying olfactory deficiency is determined 206, an individual is administered a test featuring brain activity monitoring technology 207, described in detail in previous sections. The results from the brain activity monitoring technology 207 is then used to make a confirmation of olfactory deficiency by, for example, the lack of OERPs. These responses, as described in greater depth in previous sections, offer a physiological confirmation of the analysis psychophysical data collected by presenting multiple smell samples 201 and their associated questionnaire 202.EXAMPLES:

[0022] The following are examples of methods and systems of the present disclosure. It is understood that various other embodiments may be practiced, given the general description provided herein.

[0023] Below are examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the claimed subject matter of the present disclosure. The examples are offered for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g., amounts, temperatures, measurements, etc.), but some experimental error and deviation should, of course, be allowed for.

[0024] FIG. 3 A represents a schematic overview of a sample smell test. 15 scents are selected from the following scent / smell families: Fruity (Apple, Coconut, and Cherry), Citrus: (Lemon and Orange), Floral (Fresh cut roses and Lavender), Green (Fresh cut grass, Mint, Cucumber, and Eucalyptus), Spice (Cinnamon, Ginger, and Black Pepper), Gourmand (Chocolate, Vanila, and Pumpkin Pie), Woody (Fireside, Pine, and Cedarwood), Ozonic (Fresh linen, Seaside air, and Sunscreen), and Powdery / Musk (Baby powder). The 15 scents are presented either high or low concentrations, stored in the individual 1.25”x 1.25” pods, FIG. 3A and 3B. The scents are loaded at 5% fragrance load in a wax (52% soy wax and 48% paraffin) which a user can smell through removal of a seal. 1 pod is designated as a control (blank). The user then evaluates each numbered smell sample through an electronic questionnaire that is accessed through the QR code on the front of the smell test FIG. 3C. In some instances, fragrance cards are utilized for the presentation of the scents and administration of the smell test, as shown in FIG. 3D.

[0025] FIG. 4A is a schematic overview of the administration of an example smell test disclosed in FIG. 3A-3C. In this overview, the following 15 scents are loaded into 15individual pods at high or low concentrations: Apple, Orange, Lavender, Mint, Ginger,Chocolate, Pine, Fresh linen, Cherry, Coconut, Baby powder, Vanilla, Black pepper, Pumpkin pie, and Cinnamon, (it being understood that in other embodiments / examples other scents may be used). 1 pod is chosen as a control and left blank. The user opens the pod, sniffs the pod 1-2 inches away, and completes an electronic questionnaire associated with each pod.The online questionnaire comprises smell sample identification questions for each pod, where the user is asked to select the correct smell sample classification for each pod when presented with 4 options. Correctness for these questions is determined by the selection of the correct scent identifier / label for each pod. For the smell sample intensity determination questions, the user is presented with 5 multiple choice options to classify the strength of the smell sample (1- very weak, 2- slightly weak, 3- modest, 4-slightly strong, and 5-very strong). Correctness is determined by the user selecting the correct answer, e.g., if the smell sample is very strong the user selected that response. Lastly, for the questions that gauge smell sample valence classification a user is classify the pleasantness of the smell sample (unpleasant, neutral, and pleasant). Here, correctness is determined on a user’s ability to correctly identify the emotional valence of the smell sample, e.g., floral smell samples are classified as pleasant. Lastly, dependent on the results of the psychophysical smell assessment described above, a user is optionally administered a physiological assessment (EEG or fMRI test) that examines OERPs in response to Galaxolide or Lavender scent presentation. Diagnosis examples of true olfactory issue diagnosis and memory / knowledge issue diagnosis are illustrated in FIGs. 4B- C. FIG. 4B shows results from the smell psychophysical assessment, wherein the user shows decreased smell identification, smell intensity, and smell valence detection / determination abilities. The results from the smell intensity and valence determination questions help indicate a broader olfactory problem, beyond classification issues. The user is then presented with Galaxolide and Lavender, separately, while under EEG recording. In bothcircumstances, the user does not display the normative EEG response to the smell sample, further confirming a true olfactory issue diagnosis. FIG. 4C shows results from the smell psychophysical assessment, wherein the user shows decreased smell identification ability but intact smell intensity and valence detection / determination abilities. The results from the smell intensity and valence determination questions help indicate a smell classification issues, possibly due to knowledge or memory issues. The user is then presented with Galaxolide and Lavender, separately, while under EEG recording. In both circumstances, the user displays a normative EEG response to the smell sample, further confirming a knowledge / memory issue diagnosis.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for analyzing an olfactory system, the method comprising of: receiving results of a smell test, the smell test comprising presenting a smell sample from each of at least two smell families to a user; and based on the results determining if the user has an olfactory system deficiency or another deficiency.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the smell sample comprises a smell encapsulated within a wax.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least two smell families are selected from the groups consisting of: fruity, citrus, floral, green, spice, gourmand, woody, ozonic, or powdery / musk.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the another deficiency comprises a knowledge deficiency.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the knowledge deficiency comprises a memory deficiency.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprises the steps of: receiving results of an EEG or fMRI test; and using the results to confirm the determination.

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