Azlan's Mental Sciences Page

25/11/2025

HOW DOES THE BRAIN INTERPRET WHAT WE SEE?THE JOURNEY OF LIGHT

https://youtu.be/aRGO80VPXok

https://t.me/vegevore/883

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HOW DOES THE BRAIN INTERPRET WHAT WE SEE?

THE JOURNEY OF LIGHT

Our vision begins with light entering the eye, but the process that allows us to experience a coherent world is remarkably complex.

Light reflects off objects, passes through the cornea and lens, and reaches the retina at the back of the eye.

The retina contains millions of specialised cells, including rods for low-light vision and cones for colour and fine detail.

FROM LIGHT TO SIGNAL

These cells convert light into electrical signals through biochemical reactions.

The signals travel along the optic nerve toward the brain. What moves forward is not a picture but coded information representing contrasts, colours, motion, and brightness.

THE OPTIC CHIASM

At the optic chiasm, fibres from each eye partially cross. This arrangement ensures that the right visual field is processed in the left hemisphere and the left field in the right hemisphere.

This crossing supports binocular vision and depth perception.

THE THALAMUS RELAY

From there, signals pass to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) in the thalamus.

The LGN acts as a relay station, sorting and emphasising certain elements such as contrast changes and motion cues. It prepares visual information for further analysis in the cortex.

THE PRIMARY VISUAL CORTEX

The signals then reach the primary visual cortex (V1) in the occipital lobe. In the 1960s, Torsten Wiesel and David Hubel discovered that V1 is organised into columns of cells, each responding to specific features such as edges, lines, or particular orientations.

Their work revealed that vision is processed through a hierarchy of increasingly complex stages.

PROGRESSIVE ANALYSIS

Cells in V1 detect simple patterns. As information moves to areas like V2, V3, and V4, neurons respond to more complex shapes, textures, and colour combinations.

Other regions, such as MT, specialise in motion. This layered system allows the brain to build a detailed interpretation of the world from basic elements.

CRITICAL PERIODS IN DEVELOPMENT

Hubel and Wiesel also showed that early visual experience is essential. During a critical period shortly after birth, the developing brain must receive appropriate visual input.

Without this stimulation, certain neural pathways fail to mature. Their discovery influenced modern treatments for childhood visual disorders such as amblyopia.

HIGHER-LEVEL RECOGNITION

Higher-level processing continues in the temporal lobe, particularly in the inferotemporal cortex. Here, neurons respond to complex objects such as faces, hands, or familiar items.

The fusiform face area (FFA) is especially important for recognising faces. The parietal lobe, meanwhile, handles spatial awareness, helping us judge distance and interact with our surroundings.

THE TWO VISUAL STREAMS

These regions form two major visual streams. The ventral stream, or “what pathway,” identifies and categorises objects.

The dorsal stream, or “where” or “how pathway,” processes location and guides action. Together, they allow us to recognise a cup while also understanding where it is and how to grasp it.

SEEING AS INTERPRETATION

The brain does not simply record what is in front of us. It interprets, predicts, and sometimes fills in missing details.

Visual illusions demonstrate that perception is an active process influenced by memory, expectation, and context. Much of what we see is the brain’s best interpretation of available information.

NOBEL PRIZE DISCOVERIES

In 1981, Hubel and Wiesel were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine alongside Roger Sperry.

Sperry’s work on the divided brain showed that the two hemispheres can differ in how they process information, adding another dimension to our understanding of perception.

THE NATURE OF VISION

Together, these discoveries established that seeing is not a passive act. It is a dynamic, developmentally shaped process involving millions of coordinated neurons.

Each moment of vision relies on the brain’s ability to decode patterns of light and transform them into a rich world of shapes, colours, motion, and meaning.

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neuroscience
visual cortex
optic nerve
perception
brain pathways
visual processing
retina function
Hubel and Wiesel
vision research
occipital lobe
visual system
binocular vision
sensory processing
human cognition

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HOW DOES THE BRAIN INTERPRET WHAT WE SEE?THE JOURNEY OF LIGHThttps://t.me/vegevore/883⸻Our visual experience begins with light entering the eye, yet the proc...

23/11/2025

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17/11/2025

AUTOPHAGY, NUTRITION, FASTING, EXERCISE AND LONGEVITY:
HOW THE PIECES FIT TOGETHER

by AZLAN ADNAN, M.A.
Monday, 17 November 2025

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INTRODUCTION

Autophagy is the cell’s built-in recycling system, and Yoshinori Ohsumi’s Nobel Prize honoured the work that finally explained how it operates.

His research showed that cells constantly sort, dismantle, and repurpose their worn-out parts.
That simple insight reshaped how science thinks about aging, resilience, and disease.

Autophagy isn’t a fringe idea anymore.

It’s a foundation of modern longevity science, linking metabolism, stress resistance, brain health, immunity, and even how long we stay functional as we age.

WHY AUTOPHAGY MATTERS

Damaged proteins and misfolded structures accumulate in every cell over time.

If they aren’t cleared, they spark inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and disease.

Autophagy gives the cell a chance to breathe.

It sweeps up debris, clears faulty mitochondria, and sends the components back into circulation for fresh use.

When autophagy runs well, tissues stay flexible.

When it falters, aging accelerates.

NUTRITION AND AUTOPHAGY

Food is a major switch.

Eating frequently, especially high-calorie and high-protein meals, tells the body to focus on growth rather than repair.

Insulin and IGF-1 rise, mTOR stays activated, and autophagy drops.

Gaps between meals quiet these growth signals.

Lower insulin and decreased amino acid availability reduce mTOR activity.

Once that pathway softens, autophagy kicks in.

This is why cultures with modest caloric intake, abundant plant foods, and longer overnight fasting windows tend to show lower rates of age-related disease.

THE ROLE OF PROTEIN

Protein drives growth and helps maintain muscle, but it also suppresses autophagy when consistently high.

Longevity researchers point to a middle zone: enough protein to maintain strength, but not so much that repair pathways are constantly shut down.

Ohsumi’s mechanisms help explain why protein cycling — periods of lower protein intake — appears protective.

It creates moments where the cell shifts from building to restoring.

INTERMITTENT FASTING

Intermittent fasting gently pushes the body into a repair-biased mode.
A 14–16 hour fast lowers insulin and liver glycogen enough to activate autophagy in several tissues.

Short daily fasts don’t create deep autophagy, but they keep the system awake.

They introduce rhythm instead of constant feeding pressure.

People report clearer thinking and steadier energy not because fasting “boosts brainpower,” but because the brain benefits from stable mitochondrial function, improved cellular housekeeping, and lower inflammatory signalling.

LONGER FASTS AND THEIR EFFECTS

Going beyond 24 hours creates deeper changes.

Ketone production rises, IGF-1 drops, AMPK activates, and damaged organelles get marked for recycling.

This level of fasting shouldn’t be routine or extreme.

It’s more like a periodic reset — powerful, but not something to chase recklessly.

Ohsumi’s work explains why these longer breaks can restore sensitivity to nutrients and recalibrate metabolic pathways that have been overstimulated.

THE FASTING-MIMICKING DIET (FMD)

Valter Longo developed the fasting-mimicking diet to create the same internal signals as a multi-day fast without requiring full abstention from food.

Low calorie, low protein, low sugar, high unsaturated fat — that combination triggers a metabolic profile similar to fasting.

FMD reduces IGF-1, quiets mTOR, and increases autophagy markers.
What makes it unique is that it retains enough nutrition to be safer for many people than prolonged water fasting.

Studies show cycles of FMD may reduce inflammation, improve immune system renewal, and help clear senescent cells — all downstream effects of enhanced autophagy.

EXERCISE AND AUTOPHAGY

Exercise is one of the most reliable
ways to activate autophagy.

Muscle contractions create mechanical stress, ATP turnover, and mild metabolic strain.

Those signals tell the cell to check its systems and clear out damaged parts.

Resistance training improves mitochondrial quality in muscle.
Aerobic training clears defective mitochondria in heart and liver.

High-intensity intervals boost autophagy in the brain, especially in areas linked to mood and memory.

Different forms of exercise target different tissues, but the principle is the same: use prompts the cell to renew itself.

EXERCISE AND FASTING TOGETHER

Fasting magnifies the autophagy response to exercise.

When the body isn’t digesting food, cells rely more on internal resources, making them more diligent in cleaning up old components.

This is why training in a fasted state can feel sharper for some people, even though it’s not necessary for everyone.

The combined signalling — lower insulin, higher AMPK, higher adrenaline — encourages deeper recycling.

LONGEVITY RESEARCH:
THE BIGGER WEB

Autophagy sits inside a wider network of pathways.
mTOR governs growth.
AMPK responds to energy stress.
IGF-1 tracks nutrient availability.

Longo’s work stitches these together into a map of aging.

Too much nutrient signalling accelerates wear.

Too little growth weakens systems.
The sweet spot oscillates between the two.

Autophagy is the bridge that keeps these oscillations healthy.

It prevents damage from piling up during growth and restores order during metabolic rest.

NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE AND AUTOPHAGY

Neurons don’t divide, so they rely heavily on autophagy for long-term survival.

When autophagy weakens, toxic proteins accumulate.

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease all involve failures in cellular clearance.

Ohsumi’s work didn’t cure these illnesses, but it mapped out a strategy: improve how cells recycle their internal waste, and disease progression may slow.

This insight reshaped the direction of drug research and lifestyle recommendations for brain health.

IMMUNITY AND INFLAMMATION

Autophagy plays a role in immune surveillance.

It helps present antigens, clear intracellular pathogens, and resolve inflammation after threats are neutralised.

Chronic inflammation — a hallmark of aging — often comes from debris that should have been removed.
Better autophagy improves clarity in immune signalling.

AGING AS DAMAGE ACCUMULATION

Most aging theories boil down to one idea: cells accumulate damage faster than they can repair it.

Autophagy is the mechanism that slows this imbalance.

It doesn’t stop aging, but it shapes how gracefully we age.

Longo proposes that the combination of fasting cycles, plant-heavy diets, moderate protein intake, and regular exercise does more than extend lifespan.

It extends healthspan — the years in which a person feels strong, capable, and cognitively clear.

THE PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY

Autophagy isn’t something we “turn on” with a trick.

It’s something we allow when we stop overstimulating growth pathways.

It responds best to rhythm and restraint.

Eat, but not constantly.

Train, but allow recovery.

Fast, but not aggressively.

Give the body time without fuel so it can maintain its own machinery.

Ohsumi discovered the gears.

Modern researchers are learning how lifestyle turns them.

Together, they show that cellular repair is not exotic — it’s something our bodies are built to do, if we give them room.

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autophagy
yoshinori ohsumi
intermittent fasting
fasting mimicking diet
valter longo
cellular repair
mTOR pathway
AMPK activation
IGF-1 signalling
mitochondrial quality
exercise physiology
longevity research
healthy aging
neurodegeneration

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12/11/2025

WHY I FOUNDED VEGEVORE FOOD THERAPY:
Healing the World, One Bite at a Time!

by AZLAN ADNAN, M.A.
Wednesday, 12 November 2025

https://youtu.be/rvNs7N-KU5Y

https://t.me/vegevore/8778

Full Transcript::;
http://youtube.com/post/Ugkx29B31lCzU5Xvy-pte_f8ET3GB8S7YvlM?si=_oI-Fe48HdgKI8R1

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I founded Vegevore Food Therapy as a platform to advocate a particular subset of the Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) way of eating — with deliberate modifications.

“Whole Foods” means no ultraprocessed, food-like substances that the clever food scientist manipulators in white coats dream up to maximise profit, not health.

Whole Foods are minimally processed, where “nothing good has been removed and nothing harmful has been added.”

The term “Plant-Based” is, strictly speaking, inaccurate and requires clarification.

I also eat foods from other biological kingdoms — notably mushrooms, which are members of the Fungi kingdom, and lichens, which are a symbiotic partnership between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria.

Seaweed, meanwhile, is not a plant; it is a type of algae, a photosynthetic organism that belongs to various kingdoms, including Protista and Plantae.

I also consume chlorella, a single-celled green alga from the Protista kingdom, and spirulina, a cyanobacterium from the Bacteria kingdom — both photosynthetic microorganisms, but neither is a true plant.

Because my way of eating is distinct, I coined the term “Vegevore” — to distinguish it from vegetarianism, veganism, and even the WFPB diet.

A notable exception to my vegan regimen are the SMASH fish — Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovy, Sardines, and Herring.

I eat these species twice a week for their omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are crucial to retinal health and help maintain my visual condition.

I maintain this way of eating about 99 percent of the time for two reasons. Firstly, as Dr Neal D. Barnard, founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), explains:

“It’s okay to go off-plan 1 percent of the time, if it helps you stay on the diet 99 percent of the time.”

That 1 percent is a safety valve, preventing you from “climbing the wall” when cravings hit or, worse still, abandoning the plan altogether — the second reason.

I also avoid SOFAS — Sugars, Oils, Flours, Alcohol, and Salt. By “Salt,” I mean refined table salt. I do, however, enjoy naturally salty foods such as seaweed and soy sauce.

Food Therapy, meanwhile, simply means using food and nutrition to optimise health — recognising that what we eat can either heal or harm us.

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A growing number of nutrition researchers and practitioners emphasise that while DNA provides the blueprint, it determines only a small fraction of health outcomes.

The rough breakdown — DNA 5 percent, lifestyle 15 percent, and nutrition 80 percent — is attributed to Cyrus Khambatta and Robby Barbaro, co-founders of Mastering Diabetes.

However, scientists increasingly acknowledge that for many chronic diseases — such as heart disease, gout, type 2 diabetes, and many cancers — genetic risk interacts with environment and lifestyle in complex ways.

In that interplay, nutrition remains the biggest lever we can use to improve our health.

The emerging science of epigenetics — the science of gene expression — also informs us how “bad” genes may be turned off, and “good” genes turned on by nutrition, to optimise health outcomes.

It is also the lowest-hanging fruit — the simplest, most direct way to transform wellbeing without surgery or medication. As Dr Michael Greger, founder of NutritionFacts.org, wisely puts it:

“Every time you put something in your mouth, it is a missed opportunity to eat something even healthier.”

I learnt this firsthand when I began changing what I ate — my energy, sleep, and mental clarity improved long before the scales moved. The proof was in how I felt.

The lesson is clear. We need to be mindful of what we eat. Each meal is an opportunity to nourish, repair, and protect our bodies.

If we consciously choose foods with the lowest calorie density, the highest nutritional density, and the greatest diversity, we will improve our health outcomes — slowly but surely — one bite at a time.

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Vegevore Food Therapy
Whole Food Plant-Based
SMASH fish
SOFAS
nutrition optimization
epigenetics
chronic disease
plant-based diet
dietary vegan
functional foods
cellular health
omega-3 fatty acids
retinal health
minimally processed foods

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https://youtu.be/rvNs7N-KU5Y?si=dH7tio80tA70HhZp

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WHY I FOUNDED VEGEVORE FOOD THERAPY:Healing the World, One Bite at a Time! | AZLAN ADNAN, M.A.Wednesday, 12 November 2025https://youtu.be/rvNs7N-KU5Y https:/...

02/11/2025

SHINRIN-YOKU (森林浴):
THE FINE ART AND SCIENCE OF JAPANESE FOREST BATHING

by AZLAN ADNAN, M.A.
Sunday, 2 November 2025

http://youtube.com/post/Ugkxfs0Lx1g06tMr5-CkN1LvFeHaeKaHjhm5

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In a world increasingly dominated by screens and schedules, the simple act of walking among trees has become medicine.

Shinrin-yoku, literally “forest bathing,” was coined in Japan in the 1980s by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to describe immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere—not for exercise or hiking, but to absorb the forest through the senses.

What began as a cultural concept has evolved into a scientifically validated form of preventive healthcare.

ORIGIN AND CULTURAL CONTEXT

Though shinrin-yoku emerged as a modern term, its roots stretch deep into Japan’s spiritual traditions.

Shinto and Buddhist philosophies regard nature as sacred, inhabited by kami—spirits dwelling in trees, rivers, and mountains. Spending time in forests was seen as a form of purification and renewal.

By the late 20th century, as urban stress and burnout rose, Japan’s Forest Agency reframed this ancient relationship as therapy.

Shinrin-yoku became part of the nation’s public health policy, promoting well-being through connection with the natural world.

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND STUDIES

Dr Qing Li of Nippon Medical School and colleagues pioneered research into the physiological and psychological effects of forest bathing.

In controlled studies, participants who spent two hours walking quietly in forested areas exhibited markedly reduced cortisol levels—the hormone associated with stress—compared with those in urban settings.

Blood pressure and pulse rates dropped, while parasympathetic nervous activity—the “rest and digest” system—was enhanced.

The most compelling findings relate to immunity.

Dr Li’s studies revealed that inhaling phytoncides, aromatic compounds released by trees such as cedar and pine, increased the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells—immune cells that target virus-infected and cancerous cells.

Remarkably, these effects persisted for up to a week after a single forest visit.

Other studies have linked shinrin-yoku to improved heart-rate variability, lower inflammation markers, and more balanced glucose metabolism.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Psychologically, forest bathing fosters calm and clarity. It lowers anxiety and depression scores, reduces rumination, and enhances mood and concentration.

The combination of natural light, gentle movement, and sensory engagement helps recalibrate the brain’s stress response.

Physiologically, shinrin-yoku supports cardiovascular health and strengthens the immune system.

Breathing forest air rich in negative ions and phytoncides improves oxygen uptake and lung function.

Sleep quality also improves, likely due to circadian rhythm regulation from daylight exposure and lowered evening cortisol.

Neurobiologically, exposure to forest environments appears to stimulate dopamine and serotonin pathways, supporting positive emotion and cognitive balance.

In essence, the forest invites the nervous system to rest, restoring the body’s natural equilibrium.

HOW TO PRACTISE SHINRIN-YOKU

The practice is simple yet deliberate. Leave devices behind. Walk slowly and without destination. Engage all five senses—feel the bark, listen to birdsong, inhale the scent of pine, notice patterns of light.

There is no goal beyond presence. Two hours is ideal, but even twenty minutes can have measurable benefits. For city dwellers, parks, gardens, and even tree-lined streets can serve as substitutes.

The key is attentiveness and mindfulneds rather than location or destination.

GLOBAL ADOPTION AND MODERN APPLICATIONS

From its Japanese origins, shinrin-yoku has spread globally. South Korea’s sanlimyok movement mirrors it, while forest therapy programmes have appeared in North America and Europe.

Certified guides now lead sessions for corporate wellness, mental health care, and eco-tourism. Medical practitioners increasingly view it as complementary therapy for hypertension, anxiety disorders, and burnout.

As cities grow denser and digital noise louder, the call of the forest is both ancient and urgent.

Shinrin-yoku reminds us that health is not only the absence of disease but the presence of connection—to the world, to others, and to oneself.

CONCLUSION

Shinrin-yoku is where science meets spirit. Its power lies in simplicity: to pause, breathe, and listen among trees. When we walk into the forest, we are not escaping the world but returning to it—one quiet step at a time.

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http://youtube.com/post/Ugkxfs0Lx1g06tMr5-CkN1LvFeHaeKaHjhm5?si=6tXleTL_QI-nZkgV

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01/11/2025

UNDERSTANDING DYSOSMIAS: WHEN THE SENSE OF SMELL GOES AWRY

by AZLAN ADNAN, M.A.
Saturday, 1 November 2025

https://youtu.be/XkvGMJ7i9Yo

https://t.me/vegevore/8743

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Introduction

Dysosmia is a general term for disorders that alter the way smells are perceived. Some people experience heightened sensitivity, while others lose their sense of smell entirely. For many, once-pleasant odours become distorted or repulsive.

Though often overlooked, the sense of smell shapes appetite, safety, memory, and emotion. When it falters, daily life becomes strangely muted—food tastes bland, flowers lose meaning, and the world feels unfamiliar.

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The Science of Smell

Olfaction begins when airborne molecules enter the nasal cavity and bind to receptor cells inside the olfactory epithelium. These cells send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb, which then relays information to the brain’s limbic and cortical areas.

If any part of this pathway is damaged—through infection, injury, or neurological decline—the result is dysosmia. The condition can affect one or both nostrils, appear suddenly, or progress gradually over time.

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Types of Dysosmias

Hyperosmia is an unusually heightened sensitivity to odours. Everyday smells may seem intense or intolerable. It can occur during pregnancy, migraines, or certain hormonal or neurological changes.

Hyposmia refers to a reduced ability to detect odours. Mild loss of smell is common with ageing or nasal inflammation.

Parosmia involves distorted smell perception. Coffee may smell burnt, fruit may seem rotten. It often arises after respiratory infections or nerve injury.

Phantosmia occurs when a person perceives smells that are not actually present—often smoky, chemical, or foul. These “phantom” odours can be distressing and sometimes point to sinus disease or neurological conditions.

Anosmia is the total loss of smell. It may be temporary—caused by congestion—or permanent if olfactory neurons are destroyed.

Together, these categories describe the wide spectrum of olfactory dysfunction known as dysosmias.

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Causes and Risk Factors

The causes are diverse. Viral infections such as COVID-19 and influenza are leading culprits. Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or allergies may block odour molecules from reaching receptors.

Head trauma can sever the fine nerve fibres that connect the nose to the brain. Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and epilepsy can also damage olfactory pathways.

Ageing, hormonal fluctuations, exposure to toxins, or the side-effects of medications can further impair smell perception.

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Diagnosis and Testing

Clinicians diagnose dysosmia through smell identification and threshold tests. Patients are asked to identify familiar scents or rate their intensity.

Nasal endoscopy may reveal physical obstructions or inflammation. Imaging—CT or MRI scans—helps detect tumours, injuries, or degenerative brain changes.

In research settings, scientists are developing biomarkers and digital smell sensors that may one day allow earlier detection of olfactory disorders.

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Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If infection or inflammation is involved, steroids, antibiotics, or surgery may help. For neurological or idiopathic cases, olfactory training—sniffing a set of known scents daily—can stimulate regeneration of smell pathways.

Managing dysosmia also means adjusting daily habits. Avoiding strong chemicals or fragrances, improving air quality, and focusing on food texture and temperature can make meals more enjoyable.

Recovery times vary widely. Some regain full function within months; others adapt to a new normal.

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Living with Dysosmia

Losing or distorting one’s sense of smell affects more than taste. It alters memory, intimacy, and mood. Many experience anxiety or depression when familiar scents no longer match their memories.

Practical coping strategies include labelling perishable foods, using gas detectors, and seeking support groups for sensory loss. Mindfulness and sensory retraining can help restore confidence and connection to one’s environment.

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Conclusion

Dysosmias remind us that smell is more than decoration—it anchors us in the physical world. When that sense falters, it reveals how deeply intertwined scent is with safety, pleasure, and emotion.

Ongoing research into olfactory regeneration and neural repair continues to bring hope.

Understanding and addressing these disorders is not only a matter of science, but of restoring the full human experience of being alive.

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https://youtu.be/XkvGMJ7i9Yo?si=j83wK7HrNxDeQUta

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UNDERSTANDING DYSOSMIAS: WHEN THE SENSE OF SMELL GOES AWRYby AZLAN ADNAN, M.A.Saturday, 1 November 2025https://youtu.be/XkvGMJ7i9Yo https://t.me/vegevore/87...

01/11/2025

HYPEROSMIA, PAROSMIA & ANOSMIA:
When the Sense of Smell is Heightened, Distorted or Absent

Saturday, 1 November 2025

https://youtu.be/cbep_Qf7ro8

https://t.me/vegevore/8742

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Definition

Hyperosmia is a condition marked by an abnormally strong or heightened sense of smell. Everyday odours—like perfume, food, or cleaning agents—can seem overpowering or even nauseating. For some, it is temporary. For others, it becomes chronic and disruptive.

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Etymology

The word comes from Greek: hyper meaning “over” or “beyond,” and osme meaning “smell.” Related terms share the same root.

Parosmia (para + osme) means distorted or altered smells, while anosmia (an + osme) refers to the complete or partial loss of smell.

In short: hyperosmia amplifies smells, parosmia warps them, and anosmia erases them.

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Causes

Hyperosmia can occur for many reasons. Common triggers include hormonal shifts during pregnancy, thyroid disorders, or migraines. It may also appear in certain neurological or psychiatric conditions. Medications and emotional stress can heighten olfactory sensitivity too.

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Discovery and Early Study

Doctors began describing unusual smell conditions in the 19th century. Early neurologists like Paul Broca and other researchers noticed the link between smell and brain function. These discoveries led to the broader study of dysosmias—a term that covers all smell disorders.

Later advances in neuroscience revealed how the nose, olfactory bulbs, and limbic system work together to create scent perception.

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Comparison with Parosmia and Anosmia

Parosmia makes familiar odours seem strange, burnt, or unpleasant. It often follows respiratory infections, head injury, or recovery from illnesses like COVID-19.

Anosmia is the loss of smell altogether. It can result from nasal blockages, sinus disease, or neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

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Treatment and Management

Treatment depends on the cause. For hyperosmia, the focus is on avoiding triggers and adjusting medications. Stress management, hormonal balance, and environmental control can help.

Parosmia and anosmia may improve with olfactory training—repeatedly smelling specific scents to retrain the brain. Infections and sinus issues are treated medically or surgically. Recovery can be slow, but some regain their normal sense of smell over time.

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Conclusion

Hyperosmia, parosmia, and anosmia each reveal how delicate and complex our sense of smell is. Whether amplified, distorted, or lost, these changes remind us how deeply scent shapes memory, emotion, and daily life.

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https://youtu.be/cbep_Qf7ro8?si=XUnSJz7jv4F5t4VU

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HYPEROSMIA, PAROSMIA & ANOSMIA:When the Sense of Smell is Heightened, Distorted or AbsentSaturday, 1 November 2025 https://youtu.be/cbep_Qf7ro8 https://t.me/...