All articles tagged with #sense of smell
Originally Published 4 months ago — by ScienceAlert
A new study suggests that a declining sense of smell may be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease, linked to immune responses in the brain that damage neuronal connections involved in odor perception, potentially allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Slate Magazine
A woman experiencing perimenopause reports a heightened sense of smell that makes intimacy difficult, and seeks advice on managing this change without hurting her partner's feelings. Experts suggest consulting a doctor for hormonal or medical treatments, using aromatherapy or nose clips to mask odors, and communicating openly with her partner about her condition to maintain intimacy. The article also discusses other personal health and relationship issues, emphasizing understanding and communication.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Wide Open Country
A recent study suggests that a loss of sense of smell, detectable during activities like showering, may be an early indicator of dementia, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This symptom, known as anosmia, can appear up to a decade before a formal diagnosis and is linked to a significantly increased risk of cognitive decline. However, temporary loss of smell can also be caused by common illnesses like colds or allergies, so persistent anosmia should be medically evaluated.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Neuroscience News
A study from Stockholm University suggests that our sense of smell relies more on predictive coding than vision, challenging the notion of smell as a primitive sense. Through behavioral studies and fMRI brain imaging, the research demonstrates that smell is sophisticated and proactive, reacting to unexpected stimuli by engaging olfactory and visual brain regions. This unique sensory processing strategy underscores the importance of predictions and cues from other senses in accurately identifying odors, highlighting the advanced capabilities of the human sense of smell.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by ScienceAlert
New research suggests that odors from ripening fruits or fermented foods can lead to changes in gene expression in cells beyond the nose, raising the possibility of using volatile compounds to treat cancer or slow neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that exposure to diacetyl vapors halted the growth of cancer cells and slowed neurodegeneration in flies, but potential health risks and the need for further research on the mechanisms and long-term consequences of such exposure remain. The findings also have potential implications for agriculture, as plants also respond to volatile chemicals in the air.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by SciTechDaily
A minimally invasive treatment using CT-guided stellate ganglion block is showing promise in restoring the sense of smell in long-COVID patients with parosmia. Early results from a study involving 54 patients indicate significant symptom improvement, with some patients experiencing near 100% resolution of symptoms. The treatment involves injecting anesthetic directly into the stellate ganglion on one side of the neck to stimulate the autonomic nervous system. Follow-up data showed a mean 49% improvement in symptoms at three months. The treatment has the potential to be a breakthrough in addressing the long-lasting effects of COVID-19 on the sense of smell.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by University of Minnesota Twin Cities
A minimally invasive procedure called computed tomography (CT)-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) has shown promise in restoring the impaired sense of smell in COVID-19 survivors suffering from long-term parosmia. In a study conducted at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, researchers performed SGB on 54 patients with parosmia, resulting in 59% of patients reporting symptom relief within one week. The procedure, which takes less than 10 minutes and does not require sedation, has been successful in treating various conditions. The researchers believe that SGB, guided by CT, could be an efficient and effective treatment for post-COVID parosmia.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Medical News Today
A new study suggests that a novel treatment called stellate ganglion block could restore a normal sense of smell and taste in people with long COVID who have not responded to other therapies. The treatment involves injecting anesthetic into a cluster of nerves in the neck to stimulate the autonomic nervous system. In a study of 54 participants, 22 reported improved symptoms a week after treatment, with additional significant improvement a month later. Three months later, there was an average 49% improvement in symptoms among the group. However, not all patients responded to the treatment, and further research is needed.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Medical Xpress
A study led by the University of Trieste, Italy, has found that the loss of taste and smell associated with COVID-19 is not permanent. The study followed 88 individuals with mild COVID-19 symptoms over a 3-year period and found that the ability to smell and taste gradually recovered over time. The research suggests a favorable rehabilitation of these senses, with taste showing lower frequency and faster recovery than smell. The study provides hope for those who have experienced these sensory losses due to COVID-19.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by UPI News
A study conducted in Italy found that the loss of taste and smell experienced by individuals with mild COVID-19 largely resolves within three years after infection. The research followed 88 patients who had lost their sense of taste and smell during the early stages of the pandemic. Three years later, the rates of loss of smell and/or taste were comparable between those who had COVID-19 and those who had not. The study provides reassurance that recovery of these senses continues over time for COVID-19 patients.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by South China Morning Post
Recent studies have shown that improving your sense of smell can have a positive impact on memory and cognition. Our sense of smell is closely linked to our memory, and boosting its ability can lead to better cognitive function. The olfactory system has a direct input into the memory centers of the brain, making it more impactful than other senses. Regular olfactory stimulation, such as exposure to specific scents, can help maintain memory and brain health. Loss of smell is often an early symptom of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Safeguarding your sense of smell through activities like actively sniffing scents, following a good diet, and avoiding head trauma can help improve cognitive function.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Livescience.com
Humans have a sense of smell that is comparable to other animals, with roughly 400 different smell receptors capable of detecting over 1 trillion scents. However, we become desensitized to our own scent over time, a process known as odor fatigue. Our ability to detect our own smell can be heightened in certain situations, such as after eating garlic or experiencing stress. Changes in body odor can also be indicative of various illnesses. Our scent is linked to our social relationships, as we use it to assess others and often prefer those who smell like us. Despite its importance, smell has received less attention compared to other senses, but the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked renewed interest in the subject.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The US Sun
Loss of sense of smell, particularly in the shower, could be a little-known symptom of dementia, according to a study by the University of Chicago. Rapid decline in sense of smell is linked to memory loss, which plays a critical role in recognizing smells. This finding could lead to the development of smell-test screening for early detection of cognitive impairment. Other early signs of dementia include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and mood changes. Two new drugs, donanemab and lecanemab, have shown promise in slowing the disease, but until they become readily available, early detection remains crucial for better outcomes.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Neuroscience News
A study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine found a correlation between loss of smell and an increased risk of developing late-life depression. The study, spanning eight years and involving more than 2,000 older adults, doesn’t establish causality but suggests that an impaired sense of smell might indicate overall health and well-being. The findings also highlight the complex factors potentially influencing this relationship, such as poor cognition and inflammation. This revelation could lead to future intervention strategies to reduce the risk of late-life depression.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by New York Post
A new study published in The Laryngoscope reveals that almost 25% of people who were sick with COVID-19 during the early days of the pandemic have yet to regain their sense of smell or taste. Medical experts warn that losing these senses can lead to decreased eating for pleasure, depression, and weight loss. The study also highlights the importance of getting vaccinated and taking antiviral medication to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Fortunately, newer variants of the coronavirus are less likely to cause a loss of smell and taste.