Discover how training your sense of smell can sharpen your mind and keep you mentally sharp as you age, with recent research suggesting a surprising link between olfactory sensitivity and cognitive performance.
Our sense of smell is often overlooked, but recent research suggests that honing this ability can have a significant impact on our cognitive performance.
A decline in olfactory sensitivity has been linked to various conditions, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, studies have shown that the worse your sense of smell is, the worse you perform in cognitive assessments.
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement.
It is characterized by the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1% of people over 60 years old suffer from Parkinson's disease.
The exact cause remains unknown, but genetic mutations and environmental factors are thought to contribute to its development.
Olfactory dysfunction has been associated with over 100 conditions, including ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and general age-related cognitive impairment. While some of this impairment may be due to neurological damage, research suggests that smell loss can also contribute to certain conditions.
In a surprising twist, failing the sniff test may even limit our overall lifespan. A study by neurobiologist Michael Leon found that ‘by middle age, your all-cause mortality can be predicted by your olfactory ability.‘ This evidence has prompted investigations into whether ‘smell training‘ can reawaken this often-neglected sense and sharpen our minds.
So far, research and real-world experience suggest that smell training can have a positive impact on cognitive performance. By regularly exposing ourselves to different scents, we may be able to improve our ability to detect odors and even reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Smell training is a technique used to improve olfactory function, particularly in individuals with anosmia or reduced sense of smell.
The method involves smelling different essential oils and fragrances regularly to stimulate the olfactory receptors.
Research suggests that consistent exposure to various scents can increase the number of functioning olfactory receptors, potentially improving overall olfactory function.
Studies have shown that smell training can be effective in recovering some sense of smell in individuals with post-viral anosmia.
Studies have shown that training our sense of smell can lead to improvements in memory, attention, and processing speed. This is because the brain processes smells in a unique way, engaging multiple senses and pathways that can help strengthen neural connections. By targeting this often-neglected sense, we may be able to develop new strategies for maintaining cognitive health as we age.
Cognitive performance refers to an individual's ability to process and utilize information.
It encompasses various mental functions, including attention, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Factors influencing cognitive performance include age, genetics, education, nutrition, and sleep quality.
Research suggests that regular exercise, social engagement, and mentally stimulating activities can improve cognitive function in both children and adults.
Cognitive impairment is associated with a range of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injuries.
- newscientist.com | Why honing your sense of smell could keep you sharp as you age
