Medical Economics November 1, 2024
Key Takeaways
- Inflammation, environment, and neuroanatomy link olfactory dysfunction to 139 conditions, including depression, Alzheimer’s, and COVID-19.
- Olfactory loss often precedes other symptoms, with inflammation damaging the olfactory system through inhaled agents or blood.
- Diets high in healthy fats are associated with increased risk of cognitive and olfactory loss.
- Essential oils and olfactory training can enhance cognitive functions, reduce inflammation, and improve memory in older adults.
- Specific olfactory interventions are recommended for dementia and COVID-19 patients to mitigate symptoms and improve outcomes.
While several conditions pose a risk of losing one’s smell, new research also suggests ways to strengthen the olfactory senses.
In new research published last month in Frontiers in Molecular Science, researchers found that inflammation, environment,...