Smell, Memory, and Brain Medicine: How Scents Shape Our Neurological Health

Scents and Memory

It’s summer, and I’m always amazed how the scent of honeysuckle stops me in my tracks. That sweet aroma coiled through the parks and bike paths of my childhood, where my sister and I were the original free-range kids—out until the streetlights came on. Even now, a whiff of honeysuckle instantly brings back those memories. I always stop to smell the honeysuckle (and sometimes have a taste of the tiny drop of nectar it contains).

Why Do Smells Bring Up Memories?

Here’s the neuroscience behind it: smell is the only sense with a direct path to the brain. Every breath we take (over 23,000 times a day!) brings scents straight to the olfactory center, which is tightly linked to memory and emotion. 

What Does the Sense of Smell Have do Do with Neurological Conditions?

A declining sense of smell is common as we age, but it’s also an early warning sign for certain neurological diseases (not to mention Covid). Research shows that a reduced ability to smell is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and even multiple sclerosis (MS). For people with neurological conditions, changes in smell can signal disease progression or complications.

If you’re interested in how to monitor and manage these changes, our Patient Workout Library offer brain-focused workouts and practical tips for everyday life. 

How Can You Improve Your Brain Health with Scents?

Can we use smell for better brain health? Science is catching up to what essential oil lovers have known for years: certain scents can boost brain function and well-being. For example, cinnamon increases attention span and focus, peppermint boosts concentration and alertness, pine may help decrease symptoms of depression, lavender promotes relaxation and better sleep, and frankincense—one of the most fascinating oils for brain health—can increase brain oxygenation by more than 25%. Frankincense contains sesquiterpenes, compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier and are being studied for their potential in treating brain tumors, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Some research even points to memory-boosting effects. 

If you’re curious about the latest research on smell, memory, and neurological health, check out this National Institute on Aging: Smell and Alzheimer’s Disease article for more information. 

And if you’d like to connect with others navigating neurological conditions, don’t miss our Monthly Chats, where we share experiences, strategies, and support. 

I'm also taking recommendations for your favorite smells since they stopped making my favorite perfume. (Crybaby Milk Perfume)

xo,

Mariska