Is your smell disorder a result of a viral infection including Covid-19?
Do you live in the UK?

If you have answered yes to BOTH questions, you may be eligible to take part in a clinical trial.

Researchers at the University of East Anglia are launching a new project to see whether Vitamin A could help people regain their sense of smell after viral infections including Covid-19.

Smell loss is a common symptom of Covid-19, but even before COVID, many viruses had been causing smell loss and distortion and while most people naturally regain their sense of smell within a couple of weeks, many have been left with on-going smell disorders.

Previous research from Germany has shown the potential benefit of Vitamin-A, and the UEA team will explore how this treatment works to help repair tissues in the nose damaged by viruses.

They hope that the study, which has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), could one-day help improve the lives of millions around the world who suffer from smell loss, by returning their fifth sense.

To take part in this trial, patients need to be referred by to The Smell and Taste Clinic at the James Paget Hospital by their GP. Recruitment is expected to begin in December 2021.

To find out more visit https://rhinology-group.uea.ac.uk/apollo-trial or contact apollo.trial@uea.ac.uk

The NIHR is the largest funder of research in the country, and is the research partner of the NHS and social care. To find out more about other NIHR research happening near you, visit www.bepartofresearch.uk.

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!

We are extremely excited to be hosting our bi-annual conference at the Hotel Brooklyn in the vibrant city of Manchester.  We look forward to welcoming you to join us in celebrating 10 years since Founder and Chair, Duncan Boak met with Prof. Carl Philpott and they developed the concept of the charity. For more information and to book your places click here

We are very pleased to announce that the first Liverpool/The North West Live Hub Meeting was a great success and the perfect way to introduce more in-person events.

As many of you will be aware, Fifth Sense has been providing free online #LetsTalkSmellAndTaste sessions during the Covid-19 pandemic. This was necessary to continue to provide a space to discuss, share and feel supported by other people that have been impacted by a smell and/or taste disorder while giving an opportunity to learn from experts in a range of different fields. Since the world is slowly starting to open back up, our in-person events will begin to be our main source of community support while maintaining our online #LetsTalkSmellAndTaste events.

With this being our first in-person event for some time – we couldn’t be happier with how the event unfolded and it was lovely to see people again face-to-face. Based in the ‘Fashion Hub’ in the centre of Liverpool, this quirky yet comfortable location provided the perfect place to encourage discussion while having the essentials to showcase interesting and thought-provoking presentations. A range of topics were discussed on the day including an ‘Introduction to Smell and Taste Disorders’, the ‘Anatomy and Physiology of Smell and Taste’, practical information and guidance on how ‘Mindfulness’ can improve quality of life, ‘Nasal Rinsing’ techniques and much more! These topics were covered by some of the leading minds in the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) world and we are honoured to have their continued support to help people affected by smell and taste disorders. Please see the list below for the speakers that spoke at this event. Lastly, we would like to give a massive thank you to everyone that attended this event – we hope these sessions provide you with a place to feel understood and to connect with other people that may have been through similar experiences.

To join our Liverpool/North West hub you can contact us directly at – Liverpool.northwest@fifthsense.org.uk

*List of speakers:

Mr Andrew Swift – Consultant ENT Surgeon / President Elect of ENTUK from Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Dr Dafna Gershnabel Milk – Rhinology Fellow from Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Ms Helen Beer – Consultant ENT Surgeon from Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Mr Sam Leong – Consultant ENT Surgeon from Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Ms Grace Khong – Paediatric ENT Consultant from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

Debs Davies – Fifth Sense Ambassador and Life Coach

Jant Hothershall – Fifth Sense Volunteer

Tracy McDonough – Fifth Sense Volunteer

Mike Evans  – The Brain Charity

On September 25th 2021, Fifth Sense Trustees -Duncan Boak (Chair) and Prof. Carl Philpott (Director of Research and Medical Affairs) are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their first meeting and the foundation of the beginnings of Fifth Sense with a gruelling 156 mile cycle loop of London.

The Dulux London Revolution Ultra starts at the Lee Valley Showground and will take them on an endurance test that takes in the famous London landmarks along the Thames, some challenging climbs (including those of the North Wessex Downs) before conquering the Chilterns and winding their way back to the capital via Epping Forest.

“We are doing this for lots of reasons really” said Duncan at one of their recent and regular training sessions.  “We have achieved so much together, overcome challenges and enjoyed a great friendship along the journey.  We will be raising funds for Fifth Sense and will be grateful for all donations.”

Carl added “Following the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a much greater need for Fifth Sense to drive forward research, education and support to benefit those affected by smell and taste disorders – it is more important than ever.”
“It  has been an incredible journey that we have taken together” reflected Duncan, “we can hardly believe it has been 10 years and are looking forward to the next decade and beyond”.

Carl is no stranger to cycling challenges – in 2017, he successfully completed the Deloitte Ride Across Britain Lands End to John O’ Groats cycle challenge raising funds for our charity.

If you would like to support Duncan and Carl in their quest, you can sponsor them by

It is the start of World Alzheimer’s Month today and we would like to show our support and help raise awareness for all those who have been impacted by this disease. Alzheimer’s currently does not have a cure but there are treatments available to temporarily reduce the impact of symptoms. It is important to be aware if you notice any changes within yourself or a loved one, as being prepared and planning for the future is incredibly important to maintain qaulity of life. Below are some examples of early/moderate symptoms of Alzheimers disease, taken from the NHS website:

• Minor memory problems.
• Confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places.
• Difficulty planning or making decisions.
• Problems with speech and language.
• Problems moving around without assistance or performing self-care tasks.
• Personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (believing things that are untrue).
• Low mood or anxiety.

For more information, pleae visit the NHS website.

Some studies have reported that even a reduction in the ability to smell could be a possible indicator of Alzhemiers disease:

Olfactory Dysfunction as a Global Biomarker for Sniffing out Alzheimer’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis

If you believe you may be experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, please contact a medical professional.

Below are some further resources about Alzheimer’s Disease:

Alzheimer’s disease on the NHS website: Alzheimer’s disease – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Alzheimer’s Society – United Against Dementia: World Alzheimer’s Month | Alzheimer’s Society (alzheimers.org.uk)

Alzheimer’s Disease International: World Alzheimer’s Month | Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) (alzint.org)

DementiaUK: World Alzheimer’s Month – Dementia UK