The clinical course of Smell- and Taste loss after COVID-19

The loss of smell, anosmia, is a common early feature in COVID-19 infections. It occurs in about 2 in every 3 patients. Though the vast majority of patients recovers within the first month, severe loss of smell persists in 6-8% of patients after 2 months, and may even last up to a year or longer. There is limited data in the longtime course of smell loss after COVID-19. Besides, there is also little knowledge about the influence of different virus variants and vaccination status on smell loss.
Persistent olfactory disorders are associated with a significant reduction in patients’ quality of life, including increased depressive symptoms and nutritional issues. With this project we want to determine if there’s an association between olfactory and cognitive dysfunction. As suggested in earlier research, olfactory dysfunction may be a useful clinical biomarker for neurological involvement such as cognitive impairment. Although literature is scarce and patient numbers are small. With this project we want to fill this gap in literature to inform patients better.