Understanding Taste And Smell: In Harmony And Discord

This FREE presentation on May 8 Explores the Profound Impact of the Senses and Chemosensory Disorders  

New York, New York, April 23, 2024…The World Taste & Smell Association (WTSA) is hosting "Understanding Taste and Smell: In Harmony and Discord," an online presentation on May 8th at 11:00am EST. This insightful event will unravel the mysteries of our most cherished senses and the crucial role they play in our well-being, memory, emotion, and survival. Attendees will also gain a greater understanding of chemosensory disorders and hear powerful testimonials from those affected.

Renowned neuroscientist Rachel Herz and WTSA Advisor will share how taste and smell work together, forming the foundation of culinary experiences, and contributing to overall well-being in profound ways. "These senses are unique, not only in the way taste and smell work in tandem, but also because they have the power to evoke emotion, ground us in our bodies, and contribute to our overall wellbeing," Herz explains.

The presentation will introduce a range of chemosensory disorders and some of the myriad causes. “Covid introduced anosmia to the world, but there are many other taste and smell disorders, and they’re more common than most people realize,” says WTSA Co-founder Stephanie Feuer. The program will address the impact of taste and smell dysfunctions through personal stories from people living with congenital and acquired taste and smell disorders. As one individual shared, "It has completely changed my life … It is a big deal for me, even if it may sound like just a small inconvenience." 

Chrissi Kelly, founder of AbScent and now the ckos Network, will focus on parosmia – a distortion of smell perception. She’ll share observations and experiences from the AbScent support groups, and the groundbreaking research done in conjunction with Jane Parker.

"With this webinar, we aim to foster greater understanding of how integral taste and smell are to our lives, while raising awareness of the impact of chemosensory disorders," said Feuer. "The WTSA is committed to enhancing global sensory appreciation and providing a supportive community."

The free presentation is open to all by registration in advance, here.