{"id":226165,"date":"2025-10-20T05:34:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T05:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/226165\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T05:34:11","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T05:34:11","slug":"neurobiology-expert-says-your-sense-of-smell-could-tell-how-long-you-will-live","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/226165\/","title":{"rendered":"Neurobiology expert says your sense of smell could tell how long you will live"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Published on: Oct 20, 2025 09:44 am IST <\/p>\n

Neurobiology expert reveals your sense of smell could predict longevity, affect memory, mood, and overall brain health. Here\u2019s what your nose is telling you. <\/p>\n

We often take our sense of smell for granted, sniffing flowers, enjoying food, or catching a whiff of something pleasant. But what if your nose was actually trying to tell you something important about your health? In an October 17 podcast, Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, board-certified interventional cardiologist<\/a>, spoke with Dr Michael Leon, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Neurobiology and Behaviour at the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, about the surprising link between smell and overall well-being. (Also read: AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist shares 8 early signs of nutrient deficiency: \u2018If you constantly feel cold\u2026\u2019 <\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"Dr Dr Leon discusses surprising links between smell and health outcomes. (Freepik) Can your sense of smell really predict longevity<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the time you reach middle age, your sense of smell can actually predict all-cause mortality,\u201d says Dr Leon. \u201cThat means whether you live or die, for any reason, can be accurately reflected in your ability to detect odours.\u201d<\/p>\n

He explains that the olfactory system has a direct link to the brain\u2019s memory<\/a> and emotional centres. \u201cIt has a great deal of impact when you lose it. And also when you amplify it. When you smell a pleasant odour, it activates the cerebellum and increases sniffing. For example, when you smell a rose, you naturally take a deep sniff.\u201d<\/p>\n

How do pleasant and unpleasant smells affect your brain<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not just pleasant smells that affect the brain. \u201cWhen you encounter a bad or disgusting odour, your body reflexively stops respiration. You instinctively avoid breathing<\/a> it in,\u201d Dr Leon adds.<\/p>\n

These subtle responses, he notes, influence not just your breathing but also your memory, emotions, and overall brain function. \u201cThe olfactory system is just much more powerful than most people realise,\u201d he concludes.<\/p>\n

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.<\/p>\n

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.<\/p>\n

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News<\/a> \/ Lifestyle<\/a> \/ Health<\/a> \/ Neurobiology expert says your sense of smell could tell how long you will live <\/p>\n

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