An Interview with Paola Totaro, Author of on the Scent: Unlocking the Mysteries of Smell

| EVENT DESCRIPTION |
Paola Totaro speaks with Tom Laughton about her new book On the Scent: Unlocking the Mysteries of Smell. Paola lost her sense of smell due to COVID-19 and has since become fascinated with how little awareness there is about smell and taste disorders and hopes to encourage more research and understanding about the issues that people with sensory impairment may face. Following her book launch and recent appearance on BBC Radio 4, we’re delighted that Paola is joining us to talk about her experience and share her motivations for writing the book, which is an important opportunity to increase wider public awareness of smell disorders.
| ABOUT PAOLO AND THE BOOK 'ON THE SCENT: UNLOCKING THE MYSTERIES OF SMELL |
'When award-winning reporter Paola Totaro lost her sense of smell to Covid in March 2020, her world changed and dulled in an instant. Trapped in a sensory vacuum without fragrance or flavour, she embarked on a journey of discovery to unravel the mysteries - and eccentricities - of the fifth sense.
Our sense of smell shapes our everyday experiences in ways we often don't even notice. Its loss can transform our lives - affecting our emotional wellbeing, our relationships, our ability to interpret the world around us - and yet it has long been regarded as the least important of our senses. But Covid changed everything. As it became clear loss of smell was a key symptom and the number of sufferers exploded, olfactory researchers suddenly found themselves thrust into the spotlight, with more attention, subjects and funding than ever before. Presented with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, they were able at last to start unlocking the mysteries of our
'Cinderella' sense.
On the Scent is the story of a quest for answers, from the theories of ancient philosophers to the cutting-edge laboratories of 21st-century neuroscience. It looks at the extraordinary experiences of patients and scientists alike, offering a unique glimpse into the world of those born without smell as well as those who lose it; exploring how smell can be a key indicator of declining physical health; and offering up the latest research that can offer hope to the millions of people worldwide who have suffered sensory loss.'
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Fifth Sense is the charity for people affected by smell and taste disorders. Our vision is to transform society’s understanding of the importance of the senses of smell and taste, and through doing so, transform the lives of those affected by smell and taste disorders.
Linktree: linktr.ee/FifthSenseUK
#LetsTalkSmellAndTaste

[@perception19645]

It's my understanding that the 'disability' impacts impacts all the since's not just the 'fifth since'....

[@perception19645]

Well, I have been a somewhat silent observer of the 'fifth since'. Its a disability that is silent, which impacts the present and the past 'mysteries of smell'..if only I had it back ! I traveled to your part of the world in may 'London' from Aus the only memory I have is my eyes, which are inadequate when thinking of the past. It's like easier to go and travel on KZbin, you see the same / retain the same / with out mysteries of smell recall. To clarifier have had long term total loss of smell, which has impacted my quality of life in every way...I would lose my eyes the smell the sea again, smell rain in the bush, hot bread shop... I forgot the smells, it's like having Alzheimer's you cant REMEMBER and not triggered to remember

[@FifthSenseUK]

Dear Matthew, thank you for sharing your experience and we are sorry to hear about how it has affected you. If you would like to speak with someone directly, please consider emailing our team at: [e-mail]

[@bibiannesilva]

Ive lost my senses of smell and taste completely since November 2020, it’s being very hard to live with this loss and haven’t had any improvements since it, I’ve done many months of smell training, did everything it was suggested in videos from doctors, took corticosteroids and nothing… I am losing hope honestly

[@FifthSenseUK]

Dear Fabianne, thank you for your comment. We are sorry to hear that you are losing hope, smell disorders can be very difficult. Please send us an email at: [e-mail] and we can have a chat.