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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
09:00
Olfactory Behavioral Testing in the Adult Mouse
Published on: January 28, 2009
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Aging and Olfactory Training: A Scoping Review.
Megan Loughnane1, Victoria Tischler1, Reem Khalid Saifeldeen1
1School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
Innovation in Aging
|June 17, 2024
Summary
Olfactory training (OT) benefits older adults, including those with cognitive impairment. This training improves smell, cognition, and mood, and may protect against cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Olfactory dysfunction is common in aging.
- Olfactory training (OT) may improve olfactory and cognitive function.
- Benefits of OT in older adults and those with cognitive impairment require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of OT on olfactory function, cognition, and well-being in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review of four major databases (PubMed, Embase, EbscoHost, SCOPUS).
- Included original research studies on human populations aged 55+ undergoing any OT with olfactory testing.
- Data were synthesized and presented narratively.
Main Results:
- 23 studies were included.
- OT showed benefits for older adults, including those with cognitive impairment.
- Improvements were noted in olfactory function, semantic verbal fluency, working memory, and reduced depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- OT benefits extend beyond olfactory function to include cognitive improvements and mood amelioration.
- OT may offer protection against cognitive decline in older adults.
- Further research is needed for specific dementia types to explore OT's benefits.
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