Loss of smell after concussion may be more important than most people realize. Changes in smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch can occur after concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet sensory loss—especially olfactory dysfunction—is often overlooked during concussion evaluation and recovery. In this episode of Life After Impact, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Michael Leon and Super Senses founder Datar Sahi to explore the connection between the sense of smell, brain health, memory, depression, neuroplasticity, and concussion recovery. They discuss why smell testing may offer an important window into neurological function, how repetitive head impacts and concussion can impair olfaction, and whether olfactory training and sensory enrichment could help support brain recovery. 

Dr. Leon, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Irvine, has spent decades studying olfaction and sensory enrichment. He explains why smell is particularly interesting neurologically: the olfactory system has unusually direct connections with brain regions involved in memory and emotion. That may help explain why changes in smell are associated not only with concussion and traumatic brain injury, but also with neurological conditions involving memory and mood. 

One of the central questions in this conversation is remarkably simple:

Why aren't we routinely testing smell after a concussion?

We commonly assess balance, eye movements, cognition, symptoms, and sometimes hearing after brain injury. Yet many people may experience changes in smell or taste without recognizing that anything has changed. As Datar points out, it is difficult to notice the absence of sensory information. Without a baseline measurement, someone may simply assume that food doesn't taste as flavorful anymore or that their sense of smell has always been weak. 

That is why Super Senses is developing an at-home approach to longitudinal sensory testing. Rather than assessing only one sense, its system evaluates smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch, allowing people to establish a baseline and monitor changes over time. For athletes, this raises an intriguing possibility: could sensory testing eventually complement the neurocognitive baseline tests already used in concussion management? 

The conversation also explores olfactory enrichment, sometimes called smell training. Dr. Leon discusses research using repeated exposure to multiple pleasant odors to stimulate the olfactory system and potentially influence broader brain networks. He describes research examining cognitive function, memory, executive function, sleep, and neurological recovery, as well as his work developing automated overnight olfactory enrichment through Memory Air. 

The implications are particularly interesting for athletes exposed to repetitive head impacts. Dr. Leon discusses the relationship between repeated head trauma and olfactory decline, as well as his collaboration involving former professional football players and the NFL Players Association. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

•  Why loss of smell can occur after concussion and traumatic brain injury 
•  Why people may not realize their sense of smell has changed 
•  How smell connects with brain regions involved in memory and emotion 
•  Why sensory testing may provide another window into neurological health 
•  How concussion can affect smell, taste, vision, hearing, and other sensory systems 
•  Why establishing a sensory baseline may be useful for athletes 
•  What olfactory training and sensory enrichment involve 
•  How repetitive head impacts may influence smell and long-term brain health 
•  The emerging connection between smell, memory, depression, and cognitive health 
•  Why researchers are studying sensory enrichment in former NFL players 
•  How overnight olfactory enrichment is being investigated for memory, sleep, and brain health 

One of the most important messages from this conversation is that our senses aren't simply passive ways of experiencing the world—they are continuous streams of neurological input into the brain.

After concussion, we often concentrate on what the brain is struggling to produce: memory, attention, balance, emotional regulation, or clear thinking. This conversation asks us to look in the opposite direction as well:

What information is getting into the brain in the first place?

Testing and protecting sensory function may eventually become an important part of understanding brain health across the lifespan—and for people recovering from concussion, the sense of smell may deserve far more attention than it currently receives. 

If you've experienced changes in smell or taste after concussion, struggle with brain fog or memory problems, participate in contact sports, or are simply interested in new ways of measuring and supporting brain health, this is a fascinating conversation about one of neuroscience's most overlooked sensory systems.

Super-Senses website

MemoryAir website

Send us a Message!

Save $30 on Brain Ritual – A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359

Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT

The Art of Concussion Recovery – Available on Audible and Apple Books

Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon!

Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact

Website: lifeafterimpact.com

Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.