Lateralization of olfactory cognitive functions: effects of rhinal side of stimulation

This study investigated differences in olfactory cognitive functions, in 40 healthy young right-handed participants, with respect to side of rhinal stimulation. The targeted functions were: perceived familiarity, episodic recognition memory, free identification and repetition priming in identification. The results showed that odors presented to the right nostril were rated as more familiar than odors presented to the left nostril and also showed significant effects of repetition priming in identification. However, no differences were found between nostrils in episodic recognition memory or free identification. These latter results indicate a rather extensive inter-hemispheric interaction in higher-order cognitive functions.