In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath continue their conversation with specialist dietitian Sian Riley, delving deeper into the fascinating world of taste, smell, and how brain injury can alter the way we experience food and life.

Sian explains how damage to the brain can affect the senses, particularly smell and taste, which in turn have a huge impact on appetite, nutrition, mental health, and social connection. They also explore safety concerns, emotional well-being and practical solutions like smell training to help people navigate these changes.

They explore:

How smell and flavour are linked to appetite, memory and emotion
Anosmia, parosmia and the strange ways smell can return after injury
The emotional and social impact of losing the enjoyment of food
How smell loss affects safety — from spoiled food to gas leaks
Taste versus flavour — and why food might seem bland or unpleasant
Practical tools like smell training, dietary support and involving family

Whether you are living with a brain injury or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clarity, compassion and tangible advice for adapting to sensory changes and finding joy in food again.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

Episode Transcript

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Helpful links:

Fifth Sense Charity - https://www.fifthsense.org.uk/
AbScent Charity - https://abscent.org/
The 5 basic tastes and why they matter to us - https://www.redpeppernutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/red-pepper-nutrition-5-basic-tastes-why-they-matter.pdf

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Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.