Olfactory dysfunction is often ignored as a minor inconvenience, but according to a new study, this symptom may be an early sign of neurological and many other physiological disorders. Scientists have found a link between 139 diagnoses, all of which are related to inflammation, according to the University of California, Irvine website.
"The results point to the important role of olfaction in maintaining physical and mental health," they emphasize.
For example, olfactory loss often precedes neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In a new study, scientists also confirmed this connection. If patients and doctors take this symptom into account in future examinations or screenings, it may help identify the earliest stages of neurodegeneration in some patients, before cognitive decline manifests itself.
Other common diagnoses associated with olfactory impairment included depression, rhinitis, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease.
Interestingly, the authors previously discovered the benefits of aromatherapy against olfactory decline. In older adults, it improved memory by 226%. Other benefits include normalization of neurotransmitter levels, reduced inflammation and neuronal loss, increased neuroprotective factors, and suppression of beta-amyloid levels.
The team now plans to continue their research to understand the inflammatory mechanisms that lead to the disease. In the future, they hope to identify specific molecular pathways to target for prevention and treatment.
Previously, other scientists explained why loss of smell accelerates the progression of Alzheimer's disease. It turned out that inflammation in the olfactory tract disrupts the functioning of the hippocampus, which controls memory and learning.
