Brain scans reveal secrets of lost smell

NCT ID NCT07149428

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This study tracks 80 adults with different smell disorders (like total loss, partial loss, or distorted smell) plus healthy volunteers over one year. Researchers use brain scans, smell tests, and questionnaires to see how the brain changes and how smell loss impacts mood and daily life. The goal is to better understand these conditions, not to test a new treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could reveal how different smell disorders change brain activity and structure, pointing toward better ways to diagnose or treat these conditions.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early pilot study (80 people) that only observes and measures—it does not test any treatment. Results may not apply to everyone with smell loss.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anosmia chronic rhinosinusitis COVID-19 Depression depressive disorder influenza nasal cavity polyp olfactory nerve disorder respiratory tract infectious disorder Rhinosinusitis sinusitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States