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Would you give up your sense of smell to keep your hair? Or even your phone?
A 2022 U.S. study explored how people value their sense of smell compared to other senses like sight and hearing, as well as personal possessions such as money, pets, or hair. The findings revealed that smell is often undervalued. For instance, half of the women surveyed said they would prefer to keep their hair over their sense of smell.
Despite its underrated status, the sense of smell—known as olfaction—plays a significant role in mental health, memory, and overall well-being. Here are five fascinating facts about your olfactory system:
1. Smell is Linked to Memory and Emotion
The aroma of freshly baked bread or a familiar perfume can evoke powerful memories and emotions. This phenomenon occurs because the olfactory bulb, which processes smells, connects directly to the brain’s limbic system, responsible for memory and emotions. Unlike sight or hearing, smell has a unique direct pathway to the hippocampus and amygdala, regions central to memory formation and emotional processing.
Studies have shown odors trigger stronger emotional and memory responses than visual cues, making your nose a gateway to some of life’s most vivid experiences.
2. Your Sense of Smell Regenerates
Unlike other parts of the nervous system, your olfactory nerve cells regenerate every few months. This remarkable ability helps protect against damage caused by external factors like toxins and infections.
However, COVID-19 has shown that this process can be disrupted. Long-term smell loss after infection is linked to immune responses that hinder the regeneration of olfactory cells. Fortunately, in most cases, smell returns within weeks or months.
3. Smell is Linked to Mental Health
An estimated 5% of the global population suffers from anosmia (total loss of smell), while up to 20% experience partial loss (hyposmia). These conditions can significantly affect quality of life, leading to issues like social isolation, changes in eating habits, and decreased sexual desire.
Among older adults, declining olfactory function is associated with higher risks of depression and even mortality. Despite these impacts, research into olfactory dysfunction remains limited in many regions, including Australia.
4. Smell Loss Can Signal Neurodegenerative Diseases
Loss of smell is often one of the earliest indicators of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Patients frequently report olfactory decline years before other symptoms appear.
Self-testing for smell loss can be done at home using common household items like coffee or soap, but formal smell tests at specialized centers can provide more precise assessments.
5. You Can Train Your Nose
Smell training, or olfactory training, is emerging as a promising therapy for those experiencing smell loss, particularly after COVID-19. By regularly sniffing a variety of scents and focusing on their characteristics, individuals can stimulate neural pathways in the brain and improve their ability to detect odors.
This method, likened to physiotherapy for the nose, has shown potential not only in restoring olfactory function but also in alleviating depressive symptoms and cognitive decline in older adults.
The Hidden Value of Smell
Though often overlooked, your sense of smell is intricately tied to your well-being and daily experiences. Whether it’s evoking cherished memories or serving as an early warning sign for health issues, the olfactory system deserves more appreciation—and maybe even a little training.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider regarding health concerns or treatments.
