Olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19: pathology and long-term implications for brain health

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Virology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Decreased smell function is linked to brain health, mortality, and quality of life.
• Many individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience smell dysfunction, often without realizing it.
• Long-term olfactory deficits affect up to 30% of COVID-19 cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the nature and pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2-induced olfactory dysfunction.
• To explore potential mechanisms including inflammation and receptor downregulation.
• To investigate the link between long-term smell loss and future neurological deficits.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction.
• Analysis of studies on the mechanisms of smell loss.
• Examination of evidence correlating smell deficits with cognitive and neurological outcomes.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause olfactory dysfunction through inflammation and receptor protein downregulation.
• Peripheral and central olfactory structures may suffer long-lasting damage.
• The potential for long-term smell loss to predict future cognitive and neurological issues is under investigation.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction involves complex pathophysiology with potential for lasting damage.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term neurological implications of smell loss after COVID-19.
• Assessing smell function may offer insights into overall brain health and neurological risk.