Smell Training for Brain Health?

Posted by edsutton @edsutton, Sep 23, 2025

An article in the New York Times discussed the apparent connection between smelling and brain functions. Odor discernment is a function that tends to decrease and even disappear with age, but intentional training can regain smell recognition, and some studies indicate that smell training can improve mood and word recall. Other studies show that smell training can encourage new cell growth in important areas of the brain.
Training is simple and inexpensive, consisting of daily moments intentionally sniffing enjoyable odors.
The Times article link: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/18/well/mind/nose-mental-health-brain-smell.html
Searching "smell training therapy" will provide many links. Here is a simple one: https://www.enthealth.org/be_ent_smart/smell-retraining-therapy/
I've decided to incorporate smell training into my morning balance/leg strength routine. I'll be curious to hear from others about this.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

Profile picture for edsutton @edsutton

Please let us know when the refund arrives!

Jump to this post

@edsutton, received an email today - the returned device was received and I'm told that Memory Air are in the process of refunding the purchase amount to my credit card. It will probably take a couple of days to be reflected in my account, but I'm satisfied that it was a very straight forward return and refund.

REPLY
Profile picture for edsutton @edsutton

Yikes! The Memory Air machine costs $799!!!
I bought little vials of essential oils for a few dollars.
I sniff them while reading emails and new on my computer, AM and PM.
You could also use household things, soap, spices, coffee grounds.
(I got essential oils because they remind me of the scents we wore back in the 1960s.)

Jump to this post

@edsutton I just purchased one for under $200.
My husband’s neurologist recommended it and gave me a discount code to use.

REPLY
Profile picture for sallygjack @sallygjack

@edsutton I just purchased one for under $200.
My husband’s neurologist recommended it and gave me a discount code to use.

Jump to this post

@sallygjack Great, keep us posted.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.