Today’s topic? Smell loss and hidden health risks.
Did you know grizzly bears can smell up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) away? Or that the common mole uses each nostril to triangulate an odor’s position, enabling the animal to find its source in seconds?
Moles smell in stereo!
Sorry about nerding out on you.
I want to discuss the relationship between smell loss and health issues today.
I certainly have experienced temporary lapses in my sense of smell.
But today, I am talking about a more chronic issue.
Could a weakened sniffer be a sign of something more serious?
Recent research suggests the answer is a resounding yes.
Smell Loss and Parkinson’s Disease
We already know smell loss (olfactory dysfunction) is linked to neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s.
I know that tremors and rigidity can be signs of Parkinson’s disease.
But this statistic struck me:
Upwards of 95 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease experience some degree of smell loss (anosmia).
Smell loss can appear early on in people with Parkinson’s, with some reporting it even before they have any movement difficulties.
This surprising symptom highlights the importance of paying attention to changes in your sense of smell, as it could be an early warning sign of Parkinson’s.
Smell Loss and Dementia
Recent research suggests a connection between the decline in our sense of smell (anosmia) and the development of dementia.
This link is particularly concerning because smell loss can often appear well before the more traditional symptoms of dementia, potentially offering a valuable early warning sign.
Scientists believe the reason behind this connection lies in the brain’s intricate anatomy.
The olfactory bulb, responsible for processing smells, is located close to brain areas highly susceptible to dementia-related neurodegeneration.
The olfactory bulb can be affected when these dementia-related areas deteriorate, leading to decreased smell function.
Some studies suggest that the proteins associated with dementia, like beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, might also accumulate in the olfactory system, further impairing smell processing.
Smell Tests for Dementia?
While scientists unravel the exact cause-and-effect relationship between smell loss and dementia, this emerging link holds promise for earlier detection and potentially even intervention strategies.
Researchers are exploring the possibility of using smell tests as a simple and non-invasive screening tool for dementia risk.
Early detection can be crucial for timely treatment and management, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their families.
A New Study Unveils a New Connection – Smell Loss and Hidden Health Risks
A new study surprised me by revealing a connection between a weak sense of smell and an entirely different health concern: heart failure.
These two might seem like an unlikely pairing, but stay with me.
A recent study investigated the connection between our sense of smell and brain health in older adults.
Researchers looked at data from a large group of people, including their smell identification ability, brain scans, and their performance on memory and thinking tests.
Smell Loss and Heart Failure
A recent study followed nearly 2,500 healthy adults in their 70s for over a decade.
Researchers were particularly interested in their sense of smell and a potential link to heart health.
The study involved people who were initially healthy when they enrolled between 1997 and 1998. The investigators followed subjects for up to 12 years, tracking their sense of smell and any heart-related issues they developed.
Here’s what they discovered:
People who lost their sense of smell (olfactory loss) were about 1.3 times more likely to develop congestive heart failure than those with a normal sense of smell.
This finding suggests a potential connection between the two.
No Link Between Smell Loss, Heart Disease, and Stroke
The study connected smell loss and heart failure.
However, there appeared to be no association between smell loss, coronary artery disease, and stroke.
The researchers could not explain why smell loss is associated with heart failure.
Call to Action – Smell Loss and Hidden Health Risks
Here are some evidence-based strategies you can take if you are experiencing a loss of smell (anosmia):
- See a Doctor
Seeing a valued healthcare provider is the most important step.
Various underlying conditions can cause anosmia, so consulting a doctor to determine the cause is crucial.
They can perform a physical examination and recommend additional tests like allergy testing or imaging scans.
2. Identify the Cause
Knowing the cause behind your smell loss will help guide treatment. Common causes include:
- Upper respiratory infections (common cold, sinusitis) usually resolve independently within a few weeks.
- Allergies — Depending on the severity, you may need prescribed antihistamines or allergy shots.
- Nasal polyps — Medication or surgery might be necessary for removal.
- Head injury — Smell loss might improve over time, but in some cases, it can be permanent.
- Neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s) — Treatment focuses on managing the underlying disease.
3. Available Treatment Options (limited, but some show promise)
- Smell Training: This involves regularly smelling specific scents (usually essential oils) twice daily for several months. Studies suggest it might help retrain the olfactory system in some cases.
- Steroid Therapy: In some cases, a clinician may recommend short-term use of nasal steroids to reduce inflammation in the nasal cavity that could impact smell.
More Calls to Action
Here are some general tips:
- Maintain good nasal hygiene: To keep your nasal passages clear, regularly rinse them with saline solution (available over the counter).
- Manage allergies: If allergies are suspected, take steps to minimize exposure to allergens and consider allergy medication.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid smoke, dust, and other pollutants that irritate the nasal passages.
- Practice good sinus health: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in dry climates. This practice can help keep nasal passages moist and healthy.
Final Thoughts – Smell Loss and Hidden Health Risks
I was surprised, as I never associated smell loss with heart failure.
It’s important to remember that this is just one study, and more research is needed to understand the cause-and-effect relationship fully.
However, the research findings raise a fascinating question: could a simple smell test one day be used to identify people at higher risk for heart problems?
While more research is needed, smell tests might one day become a helpful tool for early detection of dementia risk.
I’ll end with this quote about my Seattle area:
My wife and I just prefer Seattle. It’s a beautiful city. Great setting. You open your front door in the morning, and the air smells like pine and the sea instead of bus exhaust. — Ron Reagan
Get an email whenever Dr. Michael Hunter publishes.
drmichaelhunter.medium.com.
Thank you for reading “Smell Loss and Hidden Health Risks.” What’s your favorite smell?
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