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Updated: Aug 12, 2025

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function

A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function

Published on: July 30, 2017

Does Olfactory Training Improve Brain Function and Cognition? A Systematic Review.

David E Vance¹, Victor A Del Bene², Vidyulata Kamath³

¹School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, USA. devance@uab.edu.

Neuropsychology Review

|February 1, 2023

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Olfactory training (OT), a method of repeated odor exposure, shows emerging evidence of improving cognition and brain function. This smell training benefits both those with and without olfactory deficits, suggesting broader neurological advantages.

Keywords:

Aroma Neuroplasticity Odorant Olfaction Olfactory bulb Smell training

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Science
Aging Research

Background:

Olfactory dysfunction is linked to cognitive decline in aging and various diseases.
A dynamic neural connection exists between the olfactory system and cognitive functions.
Investigating olfactory training (OT) as a potential intervention for cognitive enhancement is warranted.

Approach:

A systematic literature review was conducted across MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase.
18 relevant articles were identified and analyzed for evidence of OT's impact on cognition and brain structure.
The review assessed changes in global cognition, specific cognitive domains, and brain morphology/connectivity.

Key Points:

Emerging evidence suggests OT is associated with improved global cognition, particularly verbal fluency and verbal learning/memory.
OT correlates with increased volume in olfactory-related brain regions (e.g., olfactory bulb, hippocampus) and altered functional connectivity.
Benefits of OT were observed in individuals with and without olfactory impairments (normosmic participants).

Conclusions:

Olfactory training demonstrates potential for cognitive improvement and supporting brain function.
OT may serve as a non-invasive method to enhance cognitive abilities and neural plasticity.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and clinical applications of OT for cognitive health.