In a study from the University of Chicago, scientists reviewed the effect of COVID-19 on the olfactory system.
The review introduced questions about whether loss of smell associated with COVID-19 infection may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life.
Loss of smell (anosmia) is one of the hallmark symptoms associated with the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, with an estimated 77-85% of people infected with the virus reporting loss or alteration of smell (parosmia).
Although most people recover quickly from this dysfunction, an estimated 15 million people around the world are considered “smell long haulers” after otherwise recovering from COVID-19. They experience persistent anosmia or parosmia.
Studies have shown that the olfactory sensory epithelium—located in the upper area of the nose, close to where the olfactory nerve enters the olfactory bulb in the brain—carries a high viral load in people infected with SARS-CoV-2.
The olfactory bulb is the structure in the brain that manages the sense of smell and sends sensory information to other areas of the brain for processing.
These other brain regions are involved with learning, memory and emotion.
Due to the proximity of the olfactory sensory epithelium to the olfactory bulb, COVID-19 infection could affect cognitive function even after recovery.
A correlation between a disrupted sense of smell and dementia has also been found in some people with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Animal studies have shown that damage to the bulb results in anxiety and a depression-like state.
Previous pandemics also lend support to the theory that “viral invasion of the [central nervous system] can be a trigger for neurodegeneration resulting in later neurological deficit”.
The current review offers evidence that suggests inflammation introduced to the olfactory nerve and damage to the olfactory bulb via COVID-19 infection and immune response may also cause degeneration of brain structures connected to the olfactory system and cognitive impairment.
More research is needed and is possible due to the technological advances available to scientists during the current pandemic.
If you care about COVID, please read studies about people who are 5 times more likely to get COVID-19, and this fasting method linked to less severe COVID-19.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that cranberries could help boost memory, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
The study was conducted by Leslie M. Kay and published in the Journal of Neurophysiology.
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