TWIN ANALYSIS OF ODOR IDENTIFICATION AND PERCEPTION

Findings from the first twin analysis using the University of Pennsylv ania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and a phenyl ethyl alcohol (PEA ) threshold detection test are presented. A genetic influence on odor identification was suggested for males, but not for females, consisten t with previous twin research on physical measures. In addition, femal es scored significantly higher on the UPSIT than males. A curvilinear age trend for odor identification was detected for males, but not for females. In contrast, neither genetic, age, nor gender effects were su ggested for PEA sensitivity. Performance on the olfactory tests was un related to scores on standard measures of intelligence.