Can your nose predict death? Smell loss linked to dying within 5 years

Our senses are silent messengers, guiding us through life in ways we often overlook. Among them, the nose plays a surprisingly powerful role, not just in enjoying flavours and fragrances, but in protecting our health.

Recent scientific research has uncovered that changes in the sense of smell may reveal far more than we realise. In fact, a declining ability to detect everyday scents could act as an early warning sign of serious health issues and even predict mortality. Here’s how your nose may know when the body is nearing the end of life.

Why your nose and sense of smell matter for health

Your nose is more than just a gateway to fragrance and flavour—it is a vital survival tool. Smell alerts us to spoiled food, smoke from a fire, or a gas leak before we even process the danger consciously.Beyond protection, smell enhances appetite and influences nutrition. People with reduced smell often eat less, which may lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and a weakened body. Clearly, the nose plays a central role in both health and longevity.

The nose’s evolutionary purpose in survival

From an evolutionary perspective, the human nose was essential for survival. Our ancestors relied on smell to track food, avoid toxins, and sense predators. A sharp nose also influenced reproduction—pheromones and natural body odours shaped attraction, helping early humans choose mates and strengthen social bonds.

In modern times, while survival may no longer depend on detecting predators, the nose still carries clues about our overall health. Scientists are now uncovering its surprising connection to ageing and mortality.

Can your nose really predict death

A study published in PLOS One suggested that the nose can be a powerful predictor of health outcomes. Researchers found that the inability to identify everyday scents was strongly associated with a higher risk of death within five years.This doesn’t mean the nose causes death. Instead, smell loss reflects underlying health changes, making it an early warning system the body provides long before other symptoms show.

The five-year study: When the nose fails, risks rise

The study followed more than 3,000 adults aged 57 to 85. At the start, participants took a smell test involving five common odours: rose, peppermint, leather, orange, and fish. Over the next five years, 12% of participants died. The results showed a striking pattern:

Those with severe smell loss were nearly four times more likely to die within five years compared to those with normal smell ability.

What your nose reveals about your body’s health

Scientists believe olfactory decline is a symptom of broader health changes. Smell loss has been linked to:Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.Weak immune function, leaving the body more vulnerable to infection.Poor nutrition, due to reduced appetite when food no longer smells or tastes appealing.In short, when the nose begins to weaken, it may signal that the body is also weakening in less visible ways.

Nose decline as a warning sign, not a death sentence

It’s important not to overinterpret these findings. Losing your sense of smell doesn’t mean death is around the corner. Rather, it’s a warning sign—like high cholesterol or high blood pressure—that something may be wrong internally.By treating smell loss as a red flag, doctors can investigate possible underlying conditions and provide support before serious illness develops.

How a simple nose test could transform healthcare

One of the most exciting outcomes of this research is its potential for healthcare.

Smell tests are inexpensive, quick, and non-invasive. By routinely checking olfactory function, doctors could spot at-risk patients earlier.For older adults, a nose test might highlight risks of cognitive decline, poor nutrition, or hidden illnesses. With earlier detection, there’s a better chance of improving quality of life and extending healthy years.Your nose may seem like a small, ordinary part of your body, but it holds extraordinary insight into your health.

A fading sense of smell can be one of the earliest signals that something is wrong—sometimes even before other symptoms appear.While smell loss is not a direct cause of death, it is a sign worth noticing. By paying attention to changes in your nose and seeking medical guidance, you can take steps toward healthier ageing. After all, sometimes the nose knows what the rest of the body has yet to reveal.Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.Also Read: Espresso or cappuccino: Which coffee is best for post-meal digestion, according to NHS surgeon