Overnight olfactory enrichment

using an odorant diffuser improves

memory and modifies the uncinate
fasciculus in older adults
Penuel Panuel 6636535 PYPH/M
Phytopharmaceutical science

17th January 2024

Introduction
• Of the 5 Sensory systems, the
olfactory system has direct
access to the limbic system,
others first have to go via the
thalamus
• Previous research has shown
that olfactory enrichment, can
stimulate neuroplasticity and
improve neurological
symptoms in animal models of
human neurological disorders.
AIM

• The study aims to investigate the

effects of olfactory enrichment
on cognitive functions and brain
anatomy, particularly in older
adults.
METHOD

Participants: The study involved 43 participants aged 60 to 85,

who were divided into an Olfactory Enriched group and a Control
group.

Assessments and Evaluations: At baseline and after 6-month

• Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) for assessing verbal learning and
memory
• Sniffin' Sticks to assess olfactory system function.
Study Intervention:
• The test group was exposed to
different essential oil odorants (rose,
orange, eucalyptus, lemon,
peppermint, rosemary, and lavender)
each night for two hours using an
odorant diffuser, while the Control
group had a similar experience with
minimal amounts of odorant.
RESULTS
• Improvement in Memory Tests:
226% improvement in the test
group compared to the control
group on the RAVLT
• Neural Changes in the
Uncinate Fasciculus: A major
brain pathway connecting key
areas related to memory and
emotional processing, showed
increased mean diffusivity,
suggesting structural changes as
a response to olfactory
enrichment.
Potential for Wider
Applications:
• This type of intervention, being low-
cost and low-effort, may be
beneficial for older adults, including
those living with dementia.
• The results indicate a potential
broader application of olfactory
enrichment as a public health
measure to reduce neurological
risks in older populations.
Limitations and
Future Directions:
• The study limitations include the
small sample size and the
restriction to a single odorant per
night due to the design of the
diffusion device.
• Thus, there is need for further
research and large-scale clinical
trials to evaluate the therapeutic
efficacy of olfactory enrichment in
treating memory loss in older
adults.
Conclusion

This study demonstrates that overnight olfactory enrichment

using an odorant diffuser can significantly improve memory and
modify brain structures associated with cognitive functions in
older adults.

These findings underscore the potential of olfactory enrichment

as a low-cost, accessible intervention for cognitive health in the
aging population.
References
1. Woo CC, Miranda B, Sathishkumar M, Dehkordi-Vakil F, Yassa MA,
Leon M. Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser
improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older
adults. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2023 Jul 24;17:1200448.
2. Al Aïn, S., Poupon, D., Hétu, S., Mercier, N., Steffener, J., and
Frasnelli, J. (2019). Smell training improves olfactory function and
alters brain structure. Neuroimage 189, 45–54. doi:
10.1016/j.neuroimage.2019.01.008
3. Cha, H., Kim, S., Kim, H., Kim, G., and Kwon, K. Y. (2022). Effect of
intensive olfactory training for cognitive function in patients with
dementia. Geriatr. Gerontol. Int. 22, 5–11. doi: 10.1111/ggi.14287
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING