Pooneh & Joana: Week 12

Pooneh's update

Last week I gave a talk at a research center in West chester.It was about olfactory system and social connection, and I realized not everyone has adequate factual knowledge.

• Along with the sense of touch, the sense of smell creates instant connections. Smell has a tremendous evocative power and is directly linked to the parts of our brain responsible for emotions and memory.

Apparently we under appreciate/under use our sense of smell.

I am preparing myself to present a poster at Brain Stimulation conference in Manhattan. Also, I asked some friends to talk to their male friends/coworkers to help make it happen by volunteering for our real research project.

​But have you ever thought about what it would be like to not be able to smell something? What is ANOSMIA?

It is the medical term for loss of the sense of smell, which is caused by a nasal condition or brain injury, but some people are born without a sense of smell. Loss of smell can be partial (hyposmia) or complete (anosmia), and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause. A person's sense of smell is driven by certain processes. A molecule released from a substance stimulates olfactory cells. These cells send the information to the brain, where the specific smell is identified. Anything that interferes with these processes, can lead to loss of smell.

Etiology:
 
1. Obstructions of the nasal passages
2. Problems with the inner lining of your nose
3. Damage to the brain or nerves
 
Examples:
a. Post Traumatic Anosmia
b. Medications (prescribed & over the counter)
c. Alcohol Abuse
d. Neurodegenerative Disorders
e. Multiple Sclerosis
f. Migraine
g. Chronic Medical Disorders (liver and kidney disease, thyroid deficiency, Diabetes).
h.Aging

As we know the ability to smell affects the ability to taste. Without the sense of smell, the taste buds can only detect a few flavors. Losing this sense could cause to lose interest in eating and malnutrition.
I believe we shall exclude subject with any type of anosmia from the opportunity to participate in this project.