Olfactory training improves cognition and modifies brain networks in type 2 diabetes patients with mild cognitive...

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) related cognitive impairment links to comorbid and modifiable olfactory dysfunction; however, the efficacy of olfactory training (OT) to mitigate cognitive decline specifically in these patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains unestablished. This study aimed to determine whether OT alleviates cognitive decline in this population.

In this 16-week, open-label trial, 60 T2D participants with MCI were randomly assigned (1:1) to OT or routine care (control). The OT group performed twice-daily 6-minute exposure to six odorants (rose, eucalyptus, lemon, clove, coffee, and cinnamon), with adherence monitored remotely. The primary outcome was the change in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score. Secondary outcomes included: (1) other neuropsychological assessments, (2) olfactory tests, (3) structural and odour-induced functional magnetic resonance imaging, and (4) metabolic parameters.

OT significantly improved global cognition, as demonstrated by greater score increases in MoCA (OT: Δ + 1.9 vs. control: Δ + 0.4, p = 0.001, η²_p = 0.190, 95% CI [0.04, 0.35]) compared to controls. Domain-specific enhancements were observed in visuospatial constructional, language, and executive function. Concurrently, OT elevated overall olfactory performance. Neuroimaging revealed parallel neural alterations, with volume increases in hippocampal subfields and prefrontal hypoactivation during tasks. Critically, mediation analysis showed olfactory enhancement (Δolfactory total score) mediated global cognitive improvement (ΔMoCA). No significant metabolic differences emerged between groups.

A 16-week OT regimen improves global and domain-specific cognition for MCI in T2D, alongside olfactory and neuroimaging enhancements. These findings support OT as a low-cost, home-based strategy for cognitive preservation in this high-risk population.