Olfaction and Health

In Nicola Di Stefano & Maria Teresa Russo (eds.), Olfaction: An Interdisciplinary Perspective From Philosophy to Life Sciences. Springer Verlag. pp. 193-211 (2021)
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Abstract

How the sense of smell is involved in human health has been the subject of increasing inquiry over the past several decades. The two main avenues of investigation are: “aromatherapy” – how the inhalation of various odors can produce positive effects on psychological and physiological wellness; how abnormal decreases in olfactory sensitivity are linked to various disease states and an increased risk of premature mortality. In this chapter, I evaluate pertinent aspects of both of these topics. First, with regard to aromatherapy, popular accounts for underlying mechanisms are debunked and scientific explanations provided; I then present a focused review of the empirical literature on scent and pain management and discuss why pain may be especially well suited to aromatherapeutic approaches. Second, the clinical significance of abnormal olfactory loss as a harbinger for premature mortality and as a prodromal maker for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and most recently Covid-19, is examined. Following from this, I suggest how simple do-at-home smell tests can be implemented and should become a standard part of basic healthcare screenings.

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