Poor Sense of Smell May Lead to Depression

People can temporarily and partially lose their sense of smell (hyposmia) or completely lose it (anosmia) due to a cold, Corvid 19 or flu, or sinusitis infection, an allergy like hay fever or nasal polyps. They can also start smelling things that aren’t there (phantosmia) like smoke or burnt toast.

But as they get older, many people permanently lose their ability to smell, and this reduces their pleasure from food and enjoyable surroundings.

In a study that followed more than 2,000 older adults living in geriatric facilities, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore say they have significant new evidence of a link between decreased sense of smell and risk of developing late-life depression.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. www.JewishPavilion.org

The Orlando Senior Help Desk (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org