TED Health Why smell matters more than you think | Paule Joseph
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May 20, 2025 Discover the hidden power of smell and its profound impact on our health and emotions. Paule Joseph highlights how olfaction can evoke memories and even aid in early disease detection, such as dementia and COVID-19 aftereffects. She advocates for the need to integrate smell testing into medical diagnostics to enhance healthcare. Personal stories and scientific insights illuminate the often-overlooked significance of our sense of smell, urging us to appreciate and prioritize olfactory health.
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Personal Memories Evoked by Smell
- Paule Joseph shares personal scents like rain and Christmas that evoke deep memories for her.
- She highlights how smells transport us to different emotional and memory dimensions instantly.
Smell's Unique Brain Link
- Smell connects uniquely to the brain's limbic system, directly influencing memory and emotion.
- This sense can regulate feelings and moods, unlike other senses.
Smell Signals Health Early
- Many underestimate smell but it signals safety, like detecting gas leaks or spoiled food.
- Smell declines notably with aging and in neurodegenerative diseases, often before other symptoms appear.