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This is TED Health, a podcast from the TED Audio Collective, and I'm your host, Dr. Shoshana Ungerleiter.

Here's a question you probably haven't thought about lately. How is your sense of smell?

If that sounds like a strange thing to bring up in a conversation about health, get ready to

rethink that. In today's episode, Kemosensory scientist, nurse researcher, and Ted

fellow, Polly Joseph, explores how smell isn't just about flowers or freshly baked cookies.

It's a critical and often overlooked part of our well-being. From early clues about dementia

to the lingering effects of COVID, your nose might be trying to tell you something

important. And here's the kicker. Most of us, even our doctors, aren't listening. In this special

podcast version of her TED fellow film, Polly offers a surprising and actionable reminder to play

closer attention to the signals that our senses send us.

Because when it comes to health, what we can't smell can hurt us.

And now, Tedfellow Polly Joseph.

I love the smell of rain, just the amazing smell when you go outside.

It takes me back home to Venezuela.

I love the smell of chlorine in the summertime.

My kids love swimming, but I love just really spending time with them in the pool.

...