LOSS OF SMELL ASSOCIATED WITH COVID MAY BE RELATED TO COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: STUDY

Sat 06 August 2022:

One of the primary signs that has served as a coronavirus (COVID-19) indicator since the beginning is the loss of smell. In late 2019, when the deadly virus was first discovered, no one was aware of its symptoms. The early signs of Covid at the time were probably loss of taste and smell.

In addition, it was thought that losing one’s sense of smell was an indication of dementia. Researchers are currently examining whether cognitive decline and loss of smell are related to COVID.

Preliminary findings of a study which was presented on Sunday (July 31) at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in San Diego suggest that there may be a link between Covid-related loss of smell might be linked to cognitive impairment.

Some studies have established that some Covid patients later develop cognitive impairment after their infection. Although, the experts have said that more research is needed to establish a concrete result regarding whether or not Covid-related loss of smell can be linked to cognitive decline.

A recent study stated that about five per cent of patients with confirmed cases of Covid are estimated to have suffered a long-lasting loss of smell or taste. Such cases are potentially contributing to the burden of long Covid.

Now, in the new study, the researchers in Argentina found that loss of smell during Covid may be a stronger predictor of cognitive decline. Notably, the study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

“Our data strongly suggest that adults over 60 years of age are more vulnerable to cognitive impairment post-Covid if they had a smell dysfunction, regardless of the severity of the Covid,” stated Gabriela Gonzalez-Aleman, a co-author of the study.

It’s too soon to say whether the cognitive damage is permanent, noted Gabriela, a professor at Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina in Buenos Aires.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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