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Tag: brain inflammation

Published on Leave a comment on Loss of a Sense of Smell and Diseases

How's your sense of smell? Hopefully, it's good. A recent study found that a loss of smell is linked to 139 diseases or medical conditions!

The loss of smell (olfactory dysfunction) appears to be an early sign of all sorts of neurological and bodily diseases. The researchers found that the 139 medical conditions are also associated with inflammation (that olfactory loss and inflammation co-occur).

For example, loss of a sense of smell is an early symptom of both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It can be found in youth long before they exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia. It also precedes depression, major cardiac events, multiple sclerosis, early death, and even memory and neurological impairment.

Interestingly, the study authors point out that there is research showing that pleasant scents can decrease inflammation, and thus possibly improve brain health, including memory. The pleasant scents can be viewed as "therapeutic olfactory stimulation" or "olfactory enrichment". About 20 studies have been done showing that increasing olfactory stimulation (sniffing various scents, including essential oils) can improve memory.

Research done on animals shows that some scents have anti-inflammatory action, for example, eucalyptol, lavender, ginger, carvacrol (found in oregano, thyme, and sage), Shirazi thyme, limonene, and mango. Diet can also have an effect, as well as environmental factors (e.g., smoking, some medications, stress, alcoholism, nasal passage blockages).

From Science Daily: Smell loss linked to 100-plus diseases

Researchers from the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, in collaboration with The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities, reveal a powerful link between olfactory loss and inflammation in a staggering 139 medical conditions. This research -- led by professor emeritus Michael Leon, and researchers Cynthia Woo and Emily Troscianko -- emphasizes a little-known but potentially life-altering connection: the role our sense of smell plays in maintaining our physical and mental health. ...continue reading "Loss of a Sense of Smell and Diseases"

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There have been a number of recent studies finding various harms from air pollution - both for children and adults.The following are all from Science Daily:

Living near major roads may increase risk of sudden cardiac death in women

Living near a major road was associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in women. Environmental exposure may increase heart disease risk as much as smoking, poor diet or obesity.

In 523 cases of sudden cardiac death, living within 50 meters (164 feet) of a major road increased the risk of sudden cardiac death by 38 percent, compared to living at least 500 meters (.3 miles) away. Each 100 meters (328 feet) closer to roadways was associated with a 6 percent increased risk for sudden cardiac death.

Air pollution harmful to young brains, study finds

Pollution in many cities threatens the brain development in children. Findings from a recent study reveal that children living in megacities are at increased risk for brain inflammation and neurodegenerative changes, including Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

The study found when air particulate matter and their components such as metals are inhaled or swallowed, they pass through damaged barriers, including respiratory, gastrointestinal and the blood-brain barriers and can result in long-lasting harmful effects..."We asked why a clinically healthy kid is making autoantibodies against their own brain components," Calderón-Garcidueñas said. "That is indicative of damage to barriers that keep antigens and neurotoxins away from the brain. Brain autoantibodies are one of the features in the brains of people who have neuroinflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis."

High-pollution days linked to increased risk of cardiac arrest

Rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are elevated after days with high levels of air pollutants, reports a Japanese study. For example, 48 to 72 hours after days with high levels of particulate air pollution, the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increased by 17 percent, the researchers report.

Strong link between higher levels of pollution, lung health of European citizens

New data has identified a clear link between higher levels of exposure to air pollution and deteriorating lung health in adult European citizens. This study confirms previous findings that children growing up in areas with higher levels of pollution will have lower levels of lung function and a higher risk of developing symptoms such as cough and bronchitis symptoms. The new study also identified that people suffering from obesity are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of air pollution, possibly due to an increased risk of lung inflammation.

Air pollution linked to irregular heartbeat, lung blood clots

Air pollution is linked to an increased risk of developing an irregular heartbeat -- a risk factor for stroke -- and blood clots in the lung, finds a large study. The evidence suggests that high levels of certain air pollutants are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, but exactly how this association works has not been clarified.