Affiliations: [a] Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| [b] Glenbrook North High School, Northbrook, IL, USA
| [c] Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, IL, USA
Correspondence:
[*]
Correspondence to: Ethan Schonfeld, Stanford University, 2720 Canterbury Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062, USA.
Tel.: +1 (224) 735 1990; E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract: Background:There exist functional deficits in motor, sensory, and olfactory abilities in dementias. Measures of these deficits have been discussed as potential clinical markers. Objective:We measured the deficit of motor, sensory, and olfactory functions on both the left and right body side, to study potential body lateralizations. Methods:This IRB-approved study (N = 84) performed left/right clinical tests of gross motor (dynamometer test), sensory (Von Frey test), and olfactory (peppermint oil test) ability. The Mini-Mental Status Exam was administered to determine level of dementia; medical and laboratory data were collected. Results:Sensory and olfactory deficits lateralized to the left side of the body, while motor deficits lateralized to the right side. We found clinical correlates of motor lateralization: female, depression, MMSE <15, and diabetes. While clinical correlates of sensory lateralization: use of psychotherapeutic agent, age ≥85, MMSE <15, and male. Lastly, clinical correlates of olfactory lateralization: age <85, number of medications >10, and male. Conclusion:These lateralized deficits in body function can act as early clinical markers for improved diagnosis and treatment. Future research should identify correlates and corresponding therapies to strengthen at-risk areas.
