In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, we’ve heard about the importance of mental health and gut health. But a new category of health is emerging that is equally critical: Sense Health. SuperSenses has coined this term to describe the status of your individual senses—vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—and how they work together to impact your overall well-being.
Why Sense Health Matters
Sense Health is Brain Health. Your five senses aren’t just tools for navigating the world; they’re closely tied to your cognitive health. A decline in any one of your senses, whether it’s a loss of smell or diminished hearing, can be an early warning sign of brain health issues. Research has shown that sensory decline is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
But it’s not just about loss—improving and maintaining sensory health can have significant cognitive benefits. Stimulating your senses can help strengthen your memory, enhance neuroplasticity, and even boost cognitive function. By caring for your senses, you’re effectively caring for your brain.
The Connection Between Sensory Decline and Brain Health
Numerous studies demonstrate that sensory declines—whether it’s blurred vision, hearing loss, or diminished smell—are early indicators of broader health concerns. Hearing loss, for example, has been linked to a greater risk of dementia and the loss of smell can be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Improving sensory health, however, has been shown to enhance cognitive stimulation and promote neuroplasticity, which in turn supports memory and cognitive function.
The Rise of Sense Health Awareness
Although the science linking sense health to brain health has been around for years, recent events have brought this issue into the spotlight. The global pandemic, with its widespread impact on smell and taste, has shown how important sense health is to overall well-being.
In response, institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have created initiatives such as the National Smell and Taste Center, highlighting the importance of sensory research.
Sense Health Isn’t Just a Senior Concern
It’s tempting to think that sensory decline is only an issue for older adults, but studies show that’s far from the case. Children today are facing sensory challenges earlier than ever, with increased rates of vision and hearing issues due to digital device usage. Additionally, sensory impairment from long COVID isn’t limited to seniors—it affects people of all ages.
SuperSenses: Leading the Way in Sense Health
At SuperSenses, our mission is to raise awareness about the critical link between sensory health and brain health. We provide tools, resources, and at-home testing to help you take care of your senses and, in turn, protect your brain. Whether you're concerned about long-term sensory decline or looking to improve your cognitive function, SuperSenses is here to help you maintain optimal brain and sense health.
Sense Health is the new frontier in wellness, and it’s one that we can no longer afford to ignore. As more research links the health of our five senses to brain health, it’s clear that caring for your senses is essential to your overall cognitive wellness. With SuperSenses, you can monitor and maintain your sense health at home, empowering you to stay sharp and protect your brain.
References:
- National Institute on Aging. "Sense of smell linked to speed of brain loss and cognitive decline" (March 30, 2023)(National Institute on Aging).
- JAMA Network. "Hearing, Vision, or Dual Sensory Impairment and Dementia Risk" (2021)(JAMA Network).
- UCLA Health. "Sensory impairment and dementia risk: What's the connection?" (August 9, 2021)(Welcome to UCLA Health).
- AGEIST. "Sensory Health and Cognitive Function: The Link Between Senses and Dementia Prevention"(AGEIST).