Aromatherapy and Cognitive Function

Lane Simonian

This study used a diffuser for two hours a night on participants without dementia. The seven essential oils used separately were: rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender.

https://cnlm.uci.edu/2023/08/01/sweet-smell-of-success-simple-fragrance-method-produces-major-memory-boost/

The 226 percent improvement in cognition reported from the study sounds impressive but when dealing with small numbers it does not mean that much. Some of the other studies conclusions are more significant: the sense of smell is often damaged in neurological conditions (everything from long Covid to Alzheimer's disease), to a certain extent the loss of smell can be restored through aromatherapy, and aromatherapy can improve cognition in various neurological conditions.

The choices of essential oils were good ones. Lemon balm and bay laurel are two other good choices. Diffusers during the evening work best for improved sleep (and in part as a consequence improved cognition). Direct inhalation with more stimulating essential oils (such as rosemary, lemon, bay laurel, and lemon balm) probably work best in the morning.

I have long contended that aromatherapy and panax ginseng provide the best combination of antioxidants to be used against Alzheimer's disease. This aromatherapy study comes out of U.C. Irvine and the Korean Ginseng Research Corporation has recently opened a research and development center near U.C. Irvine. Maybe I can convince both to do a study on the use of ginseng and aromatherapy to treat Alzheimer's disease.

SusanB-dil

Hi Lane - I am pro essential oil, but only dabble a bit. I cannot have a diffuser due to pets. Do you think an aromatherapy inhaler would possibly benefit, even if not to the same degree?

I did see a study a few years ago about PWD and the ability (or lack of ability) to smell peanut-butter.

Lane Simonian

I have not read much about aromatherapy inhalers, but especially for the stimulating essential oils they should be just as effective if not more effective than a diffuser.

I remember the peanut butter study, too. Damage to the sense of smell is often one of the first signs of neurological problems.

SusanB-dil

ok, thanks.

yes, sense of smell - strange, and interesting...

ButterflyWings

Thanks Lane. This is an area I am getting more interested in. The connection to COVID-19 cognitive issues for a friend of mine with long covid, reminds me the sense of smell was compromised for some people with the virus too.

I hope maybe the benefits of natural oils and scents may offer real help and potentially even prevention for all of us given the increasing percentage of those suffering with dementias or dementia-like symptoms.

Lane Simonian

I am hoping for exactly the same thing.