In recent years, the Covid-19 has been the subject of numerous studies seeking to understand the consequences of the disease. Among the most notable, loss of smell, or anosmiahas attracted the attention of the scientific community due to its persistent effects in some patients. Recent research has shown that those who suffered from anosmia also experienced alterations in their behavior, even months after recovery.
A study conducted in Chilepublished in the magazine Scientific Reports, revealed that patients with mild to moderate Covid-19, who suffered from anosmia, showed significant changes in behavior and decision-making. This finding underlines the importance of further research into the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 in the central nervous system and how these can influence the daily lives of those who have recovered.
Study in Chile reveals impacts of Covid on the brain
He study Chilean included 73 adults who had suffered from the disease mild to moderate, compared to a control group of 27 people who had not contracted the virus. The researchers focused on examining the brain and behavioral alterations of those who suffered loss of smell during the acute phase of the infection. Using magnetic resonance imaging techniques and cognitive tests, the scientists identified notable differences between the two groups.
Anosmia or loss of smell is a sequelae produced in post-Covid patients. Photo: Istock
The results showed that patients with anosmia had reduced cortical thickness in certain areas of the brain, as well as reduced white matter integrity, which could be related to the difficulties in decision-making observed in these individuals. This study is one of the first to concretely link anosmia with structural and functional changes in the brain.
Brain and behavioral changes associated with anosmia
In addition to brain alterations, the study highlighted How anosmia influences behavior of patients. Those who experienced loss of smell showed a greater tendency to impulsive behaviorsespecially when faced with situations involving changes in probabilities during decision-making tasks. This Impulsiveness could be the result of impaired communication between different regions of the brain affected by the infection.
Mild Covid infections can cause alterations in the brain and a decrease in the integrity of white matter. Photo: Freepik
The researchers noted that although the More severe cognitive symptoms are often associated with infections In more severe cases, even patients with mild Covid-19 without apparent cognitive symptoms may experience subtle brain changes that impact their behaviour. This highlights the need for close monitoring of all patients who have suffered from the disease, regardless of the initial severity of the infection.
Relationship between anosmia and impulsivity in patients
Anosmia has emerged as a possible marker of persistent neurological damage in recovered patients. The correlation between loss of smell and impulsivity suggests that this sequel could have more profound effects than previously thought. The research revealed that patients with anosmia had a lower functional activity in the brain during decision-making taskswhich could explain his tendency to act impulsively.
This finding opens the door to further research into how anosmia might affect other cognitive and emotional functions. It also highlights the importance of developing long-term rehabilitation and monitoring strategies for patients who suffer from this condition.
Olfactory retraining: a therapeutic option
While most patients regain their sense of smell within a few weeks, some suffer from anosmia for months. Olfactory retraining has emerged as one of the few therapeutic options available for these cases. This treatment It involves exposing patients to a series of specific aromas over a prolonged periodwith the aim of stimulating the recovery of the sense of smell.
According to the Dr. Peter Manesassociate professor of surgery and otolaryngology at the Yale Universitythis approach has shown promising results, although pre-pandemic studies were limited. For nine months, patients rThey receive different aromas such as lemon, rose, eucalyptus and clove, which they should smell twice a day for 15 seconds each. This treatment is adjusted as you progress, changing scents every three months to maximize effectiveness.
