Researchers have found a significant connection between loss of smell and inflammation across 139 medical conditions. They indicate that decreased olfactory ability can be an early warning sign for various neurological and physical illnesses.
A team from the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, in cooperation with The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities, has established an important relationship between olfactory loss and inflammation in an impressive 139 health issues. The investigation, led by professor emeritus Michael Leon alongside researchers Cynthia Woo and Emily Troscianko, highlights a lesser-known yet potentially life-changing link: the importance of our sense of smell in safeguarding both our physical and mental well-being.
The findings are published in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience.
Often considered a minor issue, olfactory dysfunction may actually signal the early stages of various neurological and physical disorders, as suggested by this study. “The data is particularly fascinating since we previously discovered that olfactory enhancement could boost the memory of older people by 226 percent,” Leon said. “We’ve now identified that pleasant aromas can help reduce inflammation, which might explain how these scents contribute to better brain health.”
Leon remarked that this discovery could have significant implications for easing symptoms and potentially delaying the onset of certain diseases through olfactory therapeutic methods.
The research methodically examines 139 health conditions linked to both loss of smell and increased inflammation, revealing insights into a common pathway connecting these elements. Loss of olfactory ability, which often appears before diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, may act as an early warning signal for illness onset, enabling more proactive treatment strategies.
“It was challenging to compile studies for so many different medical issues,” said Leon, reflecting on the difficulty of correlating olfactory loss with such a broad range of disorders. He emphasized that this challenge highlights the significance of these discoveries in recognizing olfactory health as vital to overall wellness.
This research not only illustrates how olfactory enhancement can reduce inflammation but also provides a basis for upcoming studies aimed at examining the therapeutic potential of scent in treating a wider array of medical conditions. “I’m curious to see if we can alleviate the symptoms of additional medical conditions using olfactory enhancement,” Leon noted.
Leon, along with Woo, is currently developing a device designed to administer olfactory therapy, which may offer a new, non-invasive method to enhance health outcomes.
As research continues to reveal the deep effects our senses have on health, this study highlights the urgent need for more investigation into olfactory therapies.
