Neurotoxicology
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Olfactory dysfunction has been identified as an early warning sign for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia and more. A few occupational and environmental exposures have also been associated with reduced olfactory function, although the effects of long term environmental exposure to lead on olfactory dysfunction have not been explored. Here we performed olfactory recognition testing in elderly men in a community-dwelling cohort and examined the association with cumulative lead exposure, as assessed by lead in tibial and patellar bone. ⋯ Cumulative exposure to lead is associated with reduced olfactory recognition in a cohort of elderly men. The association was similar but not significant in men with better cognitive function as measured by the MMSE. Iron metabolism gene status may also affect olfactory function.