What You Don’t Know About Sensory Loss and Your Brain

The loss of smell and taste caused by COVID-19 is more than just frustrating; it’s a red flag for cognitive decline. Studies have shown that people with a reduced sense of smell have a significantly higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Why? Because your brain relies on sensory input to stay sharp and active. Every time you smell your morning coffee or taste your favorite meal, your brain is processing that information. But when those senses are weakened, your brain is deprived of crucial stimulation—leading to decreased cognitive activity over time. 

COVID-19’s lingering impact on smell and taste could quietly accelerate that process. And the scary part? Most people won’t notice the decline until it’s too late.

Don’t Leave It to Chance: Establishing a Sensory Baseline

Even if you feel like your sense of smell or taste has returned to normal after COVID, how can you be sure? Many people assume they’ve fully recovered, but subtle changes in sensory abilities can go unnoticed. Without a baseline test to compare to, you’re left guessing—and when it comes to your brain health, guessing is a risk you can’t afford.

This is where sensory testing comes in. By establishing a baseline for your senses now, you’ll have a clear starting point to track changes over time. Whether you think your senses are normal or know they’ve been affected, testing gives you the power to see what’s really happening.The phrase “what we can measure, we master” couldn’t be more true here. Knowing where your senses stand today can help you catch early signs of brain health issues before they become irreversible.

The Science of Sensory Decline and Cognitive Health

Research has shown that even mild sensory loss—especially in smell—can have a major impact on brain health. In a landmark study published in The Lancet, researchers found that a reduced sense of smell was linked to a 50% higher risk of developing dementia. That’s right—something as seemingly harmless as not being able to smell dinner cooking could be a precursor to more serious cognitive issues.

And it’s not just smell. Taste loss, another common post-COVID symptom, also plays a role in cognitive function. When your brain is no longer receiving full sensory input, it begins to lose its edge. Over time, this decline can manifest as memory loss, confusion, and even conditions like Alzheimer’s.

The Rising Importance of Sensory Health

The connection between sensory health and cognitive function is finally gaining serious public attention. On July 9th, 2024, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) launched the National Smell and Taste Center (NSTC), marking a pivotal moment in public health. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of sensory health, particularly as it relates to aging and cognitive decline.

Dr. Levy, Co-Director of the NSTC, emphasized the significance of this work: "Perhaps the most important partnership is with the Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias." He continued, "There is a tremendous amount of work, education, and study needed to advance the community's understanding of the associations between smell disorders and neurodegenerative diseases."

Smell Training: A Proven Protocol for Recovery

 If you’ve experienced a decline in your sense of smell, one of the most effective recovery protocols is smell training. This scientifically backed method involves repeatedly exposing yourself to specific scents to help retrain your brain and olfactory system. Studies have shown that smell training can improve olfactory function over time, even for those who’ve lost their sense of smell due to COVID.

But how do you know if it’s working? This is where testing comes into play. By regularly testing your senses, you can see whether smell training—or any other recovery protocol—is actually making a difference.

Test Your Senses and Protect Your Brain Health

If you’ve had COVID it’s critical to take action now. Testing your senses isn’t just about knowing if you can smell your favorite candle again—it’s about protecting your brain.

The SuperSenses Kit allows you to test your taste and smell at home, giving you immediate, actionable feedback on your sensory health. With this baseline in place, you’ll know exactly where you stand and whether the steps you’re taking to recover are actually working. 

You can’t afford to leave this up to guesswork. The sooner you establish your baseline, the sooner you can take control of your brain health.

Personalized Insights for Your Unique Recovery

SuperSenses isn't just a sensory health test kit—it’s your gateway to understanding and mastering your sensory health. Our user-friendly app goes beyond testing, offering tailored results, personalized protocols, and expert-backed resources based on your specific sensory experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your sense of smell through proven techniques like smell training, or need recommendations to protect your brain health, SuperSenses provides clear, actionable steps.

With SuperSenses, you don’t just get data—you get insights. Take charge of your recovery with a tool designed to help you thrive, long after the test is done.

"85% of Alzheimer's patients show reduced sense of smell before cognitive symptoms. Each 10 decibel increase in hearing loss raises dementia risk by 20%. The connection between brain health and sense health cannot be understated. The key to cognitive vitality is through testing, protecting, and optimizing our senses."

- Datar Sahi, SuperSenses Founder & CEO 

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