Our senses of smell and taste may take a back seat in importance to sight and hearing, but losing them can have serious consequences.
Our senses of taste and smell may take a back seat in importance to sight and hearing, but losing them can have serious consequences.
Studies have shown that individuals who can no longer smell have longer bouts of subsequent severe depression than people who go blind.
It’s also been established that those who can no longer enjoy food often stop eating, resulting in weight loss and in some cases hospitalization.
As smell is also a gateway to accessing memories, one woman described her loss of the sense as if, “I'm looking in on my life but not fully taking part."
Losing one’s sense of smell can also signal other dangers that may be afoot. Weakened and absent olfactory abilities are early symptoms of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Other than being a predecessor to oncoming ailments, sensory loss can happen as a result of brain injuries and a number of environmental factors. Particularly at risk are those who work with chemicals and toxins.
Professionals recommend that those afflicted seek help early. Available treatments and surgeries are often more effective when the condition is new.
