Weather

67°F10:57 AM

Health

1 read

Understanding Smell Loss: A Deep Dive into Anosmia and Its Impacts

KVIA•Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 8:19 AM•Stacker

Medical stethoscope representing healthcare news

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

Chrissi Kelly, who lost her sense of smell 14 years ago after a viral infection, highlights the profound effects of anosmia on quality of life. Research indicates that approximately 22% of the population suffers from some form of smell impairment, a condition that has gained attention due to its association with COVID-19, where up to 60% of infected individuals reported smell loss. The sense of smell is crucial not only for daily enjoyment but also for emotional and memory functions in the brain. Kelly's journey led her to establish nonprofit groups and contribute to research, emphasizing the need for better understanding and treatment of smell disorders, which can also signal neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Key Details: • Approximately 22% of people experience smell impairments. • Up to 60% of COVID-19 patients reported smell loss. • Anosmia can be linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. • Kelly founded two nonprofit organizations to support those with smell loss.

health research covid anosmia neurodegenerative

People & Organizations

Chrissi KellyEthan G. BrownZara M. PatelStanford Initiative to Cure Smell and Taste Loss

Related Articles

Understanding Medication Formularies: A Key to Cost-Effective Healthcare in El Paso

Navigating health insurance plans can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding medication formularies. These formularies are lists of covered medications that can significantly impact your out-of-pocket costs. They are organized into tiers, with lower tiers typically offering lower copays. It's essential for El Paso residents to review their health plan's formulary to ensure their necessary prescriptions are covered and to avoid unexpected expenses. If a medication isn't listed, patients may need to request an exception or pay out of pocket. Knowing how to utilize this tool can lead to better healthcare decisions and savings.

Sardinia's Centenarians: Men and Women Live Equally Long in Unique Villages

In Sardinia's Blue Zone, the traditional gender longevity gap nearly disappears, with men reaching 100 years at almost the same rate as women. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the village of Villagrande Strisaili, where men slightly outnumber women among centenarians, a rarity globally. Research indicates that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in this longevity, particularly a microbe called Akkermansia muciniphila, which is significantly more abundant in Sardinian centenarians compared to younger adults. This discovery highlights the importance of gut health and diet in aging, making it a topic of interest for further studies in longevity.

Majority of Americans Support FDA Accessibility for Popular Peptides

A recent survey by Hone Health reveals that 83% of U.S. adults familiar with peptides advocate for the FDA to allow licensed compounding pharmacies to produce seven specific peptides with a physician's prescription. The Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) will meet on July 23-24, 2026, to discuss adding these peptides to the 503A Bulks List, which would enable safer access for consumers currently relying on unregulated sources. Dr. Abid Husain emphasizes that regulated access could mitigate risks associated with gray-market peptides, which often contain harmful impurities. The decision from the FDA is expected by late 2026, with 39% of potential users indicating that reclassification would encourage them to try peptides.

El Paso's Unique Weight-Loss Program Highlights GLP-1s for Effective Management

The Hospitals of Providence Weight-Loss Program has received accreditation as the sole designated weight-loss surgery and medicine program in the El Paso region. Dr. Benjamin Clapp discussed the increasing use of GLP-1 medications for weight management during an interview, emphasizing their effectiveness alongside potential risks and side effects. This development is significant for local residents seeking weight-loss solutions, as it positions the program as a leading resource in the area. Patients considering GLP-1 treatments should be aware of both the benefits and drawbacks associated with these medications.