The Science of Smell

In this episode of I CARE FOR YOUR BRAIN with Dr. Sullivan, board certified neuropsychologist Dr. Karen D. Sullivan discusses the all important science of smell, why smell is so emotional and how we associate memories with smells. Next lecture will focus on smell disorders.
Learn more at www.icfyb.com.

[@terrishimmel9258]

I have had loss of sense of smell for many years now. I have had ET since I was a kid. I understand loss of smell can develop in folks with

[@jmcgregor316]

An exceptional presentation! Thank you.

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

Thank you! Proud of myself for the graphics lol (the first one ever!)

[@sandysmith8377]

I do not have a sense of smell, I was born that way. I do not have an olfactory centre in the brain. It is absent (as seen/not seen on MRI). Therefore I also have extremely limited taste ability. Interestingly, I have extremely heightened hearing and sensitivity to texture (on skin, etc.). Since it’s all I know, I do not know what I am missing. However, I am very afraid of fire and smoke. And I always feel that I am not fully experiencing life. Also, there is an entire vocabulary that I don’t understand at all: smokey, musk, any words relating to perfume and aromatherapy, etc. I would love to know why this area of my brain did not develop. My ENG theorized that I may have Kellmann Syndrome since I was very late starting my period (almost 16).

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

Are you left handed by chance?

[@sandysmith8377]

@@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103 no I am right handed. In Kallmann syndrome, the sense of smell is either diminished (hyposmia) or completely absent (anosmia). This feature distinguishes Kallmann syndrome from most other forms of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which do not affect the sense of smell. I also seem to have PCOS which is common with Kellmann Symdrome. Doesn’t change anything for me, but makes these seemingly random things less random. It’s hard not being able to smell or taste. I feel like I am missing a lot.

[@arielperez797]

Interesting. Are you still able to form bonds with people and animals? I heard the nose has a connection to...feeling connected to people. Babies first use their sense of smell to identify.

[@midwestnice]

Definitely need the follow up video Dr. Sullivan! I lost my sense of smell gradually along w/ symptoms of RBD and cognitive decline. I don't smoke, didn't get injured & did not have Covid. I'm *living* the Dx of young onset Alzheimer's..my first sign was loss of smell & RBD at the same time, smell decreasing/ RBD increasing. I was 48 now I'm 54 and on Aricept. My latest MRI shows Parietal volume loss. I'm on a journey no one wants to take, i'm alone & scared TBH so i love your channel because your info is invaluable and your kind demeanor makes this not so harrowing. Your next vid on why smell is important in Neuro decline will be interesting and important. Much love, Chanel

[@midwestnice]

PS..now all i smell is fire..woodsmoke fire. Loss of smell causes anxiety because its like a 'feeling' of my nose & airway being gone. Think: you have a bad cold...only it never goes away.

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

Hi Chanel, I'm so glad you are here

[@marlysmilligan3015]

I have had alot of damages after taking, gabapentin. I finally stopped taking them.

[@nancydetwiler-bb8yp]

7 45 I lost my smell. Am 72 yes old and am seeing an ENT doctor in 2 weeks. Covid was August 2021 and smell has never come back. Has changed my life. Can you help me. Had an MRI DONE March 7th of this year. Have learned a lot from your channel

[@annegoulding4907]

I didn't have a sense of smell then had a suspected ADEM type reaction affecting brainstem/cranial nerves in my 40s and now I smell some things but don’t know what they are as I have never learnt them. Generally it takes me by surprise if I smell something and I find it a bit confusing. (I am left handed)

[@cynthiaricks1017]

How about Scent confusion? When someone makes a jelly bean that smells bad, can we override the smell if the taste is good? Or the reverse? Just wondering

[@purpose8141]

Unfortunately I lost my sense of smell 24 years ago.

[@marlysmilligan3015]

But lost my smell to covid19. 2 times now. But have only 1/2 barely the sence of smell. What do I do now ??