How the Pandemic Revived Interest in Smell Loss and Its Link to Brain Health

Researchers estimate that up to 22 percent of the population lives with smell impairments, including anosmia (complete loss of smell) or hyposmia (partial loss). The pandemic, which has caused millions worldwide to experience sudden smell impairment, has accelerated research into this often-overlooked condition, revealing its deeper connections to neurological health.

Why Did the Pandemic Change the Conversation About Smell?

The coronavirus has brought unprecedented attention to smell loss, with studies showing that 60 percent of individuals with Covid experienced smell loss, according to a 2023 survey in the journal Laryngoscope. For many, the condition was temporary, but others faced long-term challenges. Chrissi Kelly, who lost her sense of smell after a viral infection about 14 years ago, described the experience as “catastrophic,” noting that “I did not feel like myself anymore.”

Researchers estimate that up to 22 percent of the population lives with smell impairments, yet these conditions have historically been underdiagnosed and poorly understood. The pandemic forced clinicians and scientists to confront this gap, with the World Health Organization reporting 780 million reported cases of Covid-19 since December 2019—many of whom experienced olfactory symptoms.

What’s the Link Between Smell and Brain Health?

Emerging evidence suggests that the sense of smell is more than a sensory function—it is closely tied to quality of life and brain health. This connection has spurred new research into this critical sense.

How Are Patients Coping With Long-Term Smell Loss?

For those like Kelly, the lack of effective treatments remains a challenge. Support groups and advocacy organizations have grown in response to the need for better resources and awareness.

Meanwhile, technological innovations are offering new hope. The pandemic forced us to take smell seriously, and now we’re building the tools to address it.

What’s Next for Smell Research?

As the global scientific community continues to study the long-term effects of Covid-19, the focus on smell is likely to expand. The pandemic has shown us that understanding it could have far-reaching benefits.

For patients like Kelly, the progress offers a glimmer of hope. “I’ve learned to adapt, but I still dream of regaining my sense of smell,” she says. “If this research can help even one person, it’s worth it.”