Covid-related loss of smell might be linked to cognitive impairment: Study
Story highlights
COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s: Preliminary findings of a study suggest that there may be a link between Covid-related loss of smell might be linked to cognitive impairment
The lost sense of smell has been one of the major symptoms that act as an identifier for coronavirus (COVID-19) from the beginning. After the deadly virus was first reported in late 2019, people were not aware of its symptoms. At that time, loss of smell and taste were presumably the early symptoms of Covid.
Apart from that, the lost sense of smell was considered to be a warning sign for dementia. Now, researchers are probing whether Covid-related loss of smell might also be associated with cognitive decline.
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.
trending now
)
New York stabbing attack: Four killed in Queens neighbourhood as police shoots suspect dead
)
Indian PM Modi hails four-state election results as victory of 'politics of development'
)
India and Maldives core group to discuss usage of Indian military platforms
)
As BJP roars in MP, Scindia fires back at Priyanka Gandhi over 'height' remark
)
Watch | Bobby Deol gets emotional after Animal success party: 'It feels like a dream'
)
As BJP leads in three states, panicked Congress calls sudden INDIA bloc meet: report
)
This groundbreaking new drug is all set to increase life span of large dogs
)
Philippines earthquake: Tsunami waves of 40 cm reach Japan
)
Madhya Pradesh elections 2023: BJP roars with staggering numbers, Congress wiped out
)
Medicine used for controlling blood pressure found to have anti-ageing effect
)
Latin America remembers Kissinger's dark legacy bitterly, Chile's 'Pinochet' and his role in Operation Condor
)
Rajasthan Assembly Election Results 2023 LIVE: BJP leading in 114 constituencies; Check party-wise results
)
Kylian Mbappe would like to win Ballon d’Or with PSG: Ronaldinho
)
British Army used solar panels created out of forced labour in China: report
)
MP Assembly Election Result 2023: check Full list of winners and Loser constituency wise
ALSO READ | Sleeping less than nine hours can cause serious mental problems in young children: Study
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.
Gabriela Gonzalez-Aleman, who is the study co-author, said, "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."
Gabriela, who is a professor at Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina in Buenos Aires, added that it's too soon to tell if the cognitive impairment is permanent.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
)
