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Power Guerra N, Kruschwitz E, Krautwurst D, Hummel T. Four odorants for olfactory training are enough: a pilot study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2024:10.1007/s00405-024-08930-4. [PMID: 39242414 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08930-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfactory training (OT) is commonly used for the treatment of olfactory disorders. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing debate about the most effective OT regimen. We aimed to compare the effects of OT with 7 items (rose, lemon, eucalyptus, cloves, stewed apple, balm, mint) to 4-item-OT (rose, lemon, eucalyptus, cloves) over 3 months. Methods: Participants were 40 patients with olfactory dysfunction receiving 4-item-OT or 7-item-OT and 60 gender- and age-matched individuals with normal sense of smell receiving no OT, 4-item-OT, or 7-item-OT. Before and after the OT we assessed n-butanol odor thresholds, discrimination, and identification (TDI score), additionalthresholds for (R)-(-)-carvone, β-damascenone, salicyclic acid benzylester, the degree of phantosmia and parosmia, cognitive function, and ratings of olfactory function. Results: In both patient groups, the TDI score increased with the use of OT, regardless of the number of odors used (p < 0.001; 3.48 ± 4.21 and lower than control groups). The clinically significant increase of 5.5 points in TDI score correlated with change of ratings of parosmia (r 0.62; p < 0.01) and with ratings of olfactory dysfunction (r = 0.51; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Concluding, OT over a 3-months period with 4 or 7 odors appears to produce similar results, although the sample size has to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Power Guerra
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Smell & Taste Clinic, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Emely Kruschwitz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Smell & Taste Clinic, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dietmar Krautwurst
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Smell & Taste Clinic, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
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Loughnane M, Tischler V, Khalid Saifeldeen R, Kontaris E. Aging and Olfactory Training: A Scoping Review. Innov Aging 2024; 8:igae044. [PMID: 38881614 PMCID: PMC11176978 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Decreased olfactory function commonly occurs alongside the aging process. Research suggests olfactory training (OT) has the potential to improve olfactory and cognitive function in individuals with and without olfactory dysfunction. The degree to which these benefits extend into older age and among those with cognitive impairment (i.e., people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment) is less clear. The purpose of the current review was to investigate the extent to which OT affects olfactory function, cognition, and well-being among older people. Research Design and Methods A scoping review of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Embase, EbscoHost, and SCOPUS. Articles were considered eligible for original research studies with human populations, included adults aged 55 and older, performed any type of OT, and included a form of olfactory testing. The data from the included studies were synthesized and presented narratively. Results A total of 23 studies were included. The results suggest that OT provides multiple benefits to older adults, including those with cognitive impairment. Particularly, OT was associated with measurable changes in olfactory function, improved cognitive function, specifically semantic verbal fluency and working memory, reduced depressive symptoms, and protection from cognitive decline. Discussion and Implications The findings suggest that benefits from OT extend beyond changes in olfactory function and include improved cognitive function, amelioration of depressive symptoms, and protection from cognitive decline. Future research is needed across specific participant groups, including those with differentiated types of dementia, to investigate the olfactory and cognitive benefits of OT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emily Kontaris
- Health and Well-Being Centre of Excellence, Givaudan UK Limited, Ashford, UK
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Pieniak M, Rokosz M, Nawrocka P, Reichert A, Zyzelewicz B, Mahmut MK, Oleszkiewicz A. Null cross-modal effects of olfactory training on visual, auditory or olfactory working memory in 6- to 9-year-old children. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38762780 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2024.2343484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Systematic exposure to odours (olfactory training, OT) is a method of smell loss treatment. Due to olfactory system projections to prefrontal brain areas, OT has been hypothesized to enhance cognitive functions, but its effects have been studied predominantly in adults. This study tested OT effects on working memory (WM), i.e., the ability to store and manipulate information for a short time, in healthy children aged 6-9 years. We expected OT to improve olfactory WM and establish cross-modal transfer to visual and auditory WM. Participants performed 12 weeks of bi-daily OT with either 4 odours (lemon, eucalyptus, rose, cloves; OT group) or odourless propylene glycol (placebo group). Pre- and post-training, participants' WM was measured utilizing odours (olfactory WM) or pictures (visual WM) and a word-span task (auditory WM). 84 children (40 girls) completed the study. The analyses revealed no changes in the WM performance following OT. The olfactory WM task was the most difficult for children, highlighting the need to include olfactory-related tasks in educational programmes to improve children's odour knowledge and memory, just as they learn about sounds and pictures. Further neuroimaging research is needed to fully understand the impact of OT on cognitive functions in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Pieniak
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marta Rokosz
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Aleksandra Reichert
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Mehmet K Mahmut
- Food, Flavour and Fragrance Lab, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna Oleszkiewicz
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Dal Bò E, Natali L, Gentili C, Cecchetto C. Low odor awareness predicts reduced olfactory abilities in women with depressive symptoms, but not with anxiety symptoms. J Affect Disord 2023; 338:171-179. [PMID: 37290528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfactory disorders and affective symptoms are tightly related. However, the factors underlying this association are not yet understood. One candidate factor is "odor awareness": the degree of attention individuals pays to the odors. However, the association between odor awareness and olfactory abilities in individuals with affective symptoms has not been clarified yet. METHOD The present study examined whether odor awareness may moderate (a) the relation between olfactory dysfunctions and depressive and anxiety symptoms; (b) the relation between the perceptual ratings of the odors and depressive and anxiety symptoms in a sample of healthy women (n = 214). Self-report measures of depression and anxiety were collected, whereas the Sniffin' Stick test was employed to measure olfactory abilities. RESULTS Linear regression analysis revealed that individuals with higher depressive symptoms presented lower olfactory abilities and that odor awareness was a significant moderator of the association between depressive symptoms and olfactory abilities. Anxiety symptoms were not related to any of the olfactory abilities considered, and this relationship did not change according to odor awareness. The familiarity rating of the odor was significantly predicted by odor awareness. These results were confirmed by Bayesian statistics. LIMITATIONS The sample was composed only of women. CONCLUSIONS In a healthy population of women, only the presence of depressive symptoms is related to reduced olfactory performance. Odor awareness may be implicated in the development and maintenance of olfactory dysfunction; hence it could be used as a useful target for specific treatments in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Dal Bò
- Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Via Orus 2/B, 35131 Padua, Italy; Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padua, Italy.
| | - Ludovica Natali
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padua, Italy; Centro di Ateneo Servizi Clinici Universitari Psicologici (SCUP), Via Belzoni, 84, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Claudio Gentili
- Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Via Orus 2/B, 35131 Padua, Italy; Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padua, Italy; Centro di Ateneo Servizi Clinici Universitari Psicologici (SCUP), Via Belzoni, 84, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cecchetto
- Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padua, Via Orus 2/B, 35131 Padua, Italy
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Caballero R, Paradis C. Sharing Perceptual Experiences through Language. J Intell 2023; 11:129. [PMID: 37504772 PMCID: PMC10381558 DOI: 10.3390/jintelligence11070129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article is to shed light on how sensory perceptions are communicated through authentic language. What are the language resources available to match multimodal perceptions, and how do we use them in real communication? We discuss insights from previous work on the topic of the interaction of perception, cognition, and language and explain how language users recontextualise perception in communication about sensory experiences. Within the framework of cognitive semantics, we show that the complexities of multimodal perception are clearly reflected in the multifunctional use of words to convey meanings and feelings. To showcase the language resources employed, we base our findings on research on how architects convey their perceptions of built space. Two main patterns emerge: they use multimodal expressions (soft, bland, and jarring) and descriptions of built space through motion (the building reaches out, or routes and directions such as destination, promenade, route, or landscape in combination with verbs such as start and lead) in which case the architect may either be the observer or the emerged actor. The important take-home message is that there is no neat and clear a priori link between words and meanings, but rather "unforeseen" patterns surface in natural production data describing sensory perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Caballero
- Facultad de Letras, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Carita Paradis
- Centre for Languages and Literature, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
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Khan AM, Piccirillo J, Kallogjeri D, Piccirillo JF. Efficacy of Combined Visual-Olfactory Training With Patient-Preferred Scents as Treatment for Patients With COVID-19 Resultant Olfactory Loss: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 149:141-149. [PMID: 36580304 PMCID: PMC9857399 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2022.4112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Importance The number of olfactory dysfunction cases has increased dramatically because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying therapies that aid and accelerate recovery is essential. Objective To determine the efficacy of bimodal visual-olfactory training and patient-preferred scents vs unimodal olfactory training and physician-assigned scents in COVID-19 olfactory loss. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a randomized, single-blinded trial with a 2-by-2 factorial design (bimodal, patient preferred; unimodal, physician assigned; bimodal, physician assigned; unimodal, patient preferred) and an independent control group. Enrollment occurred from February 1 to May 27, 2021. Participants were adults 18 to 71 years old with current olfactory loss defined as University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) score less than 34 for men and less than 35 for women and duration of 3 months or longer. Olfactory loss was initially diagnosed within 2 weeks of COVID-19 infection. Interventions Participants sniffed 4 essential oils for 15 seconds with a 30-second rest in between odors for 3 months. Participants in the physician-assigned odor arms trained with rose, lemon, eucalyptus, and clove. Participants randomized to the patient-preferred arms chose 4 of 24 available scents. If assigned to the bimodal arm, participants were shown digital images of the essential oil they were smelling. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was postintervention change in UPSIT score from baseline; measures used were the UPSIT (validated, objective psychometric test of olfaction), Clinical Global Impressions Impression-Improvement (CGI-I; self-report improvement scale), and Olfactory Dysfunction Outcomes Rating (ODOR; olfaction-related quality-of-life questionnaire). Results Among the 275 enrolled participants, the mean (SD) age was 41 (12) years, and 236 (86%) were female. The change in UPSIT scores preintervention to postintervention was similar between the study arms. The marginal mean difference for change in UPSIT scores preintervention to postintervention between participants randomized to patient-preferred vs physician-assigned olfactory training was 0.73 (95% CI, -1.10 to 2.56), and between participants randomized to bimodal vs unimodal olfactory training was 1.10 (95% CI, -2.92 to 0.74). Five (24%) participants in the control arm had clinically important improvement on UPSIT compared with 18 (53%) in the bimodal, patient-preferred arm for a difference of 29% (95% CI, 4%-54%). Four (19%) participants in the control group self-reported improvement on CGI-I compared with 12 (35%) in the bimodal, patient-preferred arm for a difference of 16% (95% CI, -7% to 39%). The mean change in ODOR score preintervention to postintervention was 11.6 points (95% CI, 9.2-13.9), which was not deemed clinically important nor significantly different between arms. Conclusions and Relevance Based on the change in UPSIT scores, this randomized clinical trial did not show any difference between intervention arms, but when exploring within-patient change in UPSIT as well as self-reported impression of improvement, active interventions were associated with larger improvement than controls with a potential advantage of bimodal intervention. While not definitive, these results suggest that patients with COVID-19 olfactory loss may benefit from bimodal visual-olfactory training with patient-preferred scents. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04710394.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amish M. Khan
- Clinical Outcomes Research Office, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Jeffrey Piccirillo
- Clinical Outcomes Research Office, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Dorina Kallogjeri
- Clinical Outcomes Research Office, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
- Statistics Editor, JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery
| | - Jay F. Piccirillo
- Clinical Outcomes Research Office, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
- Editor in Chief, JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery
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7
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Li Z, Anne A, Hummel T. Olfactory training: effects of multisensory integration, attention towards odors and physical activity. Chem Senses 2023; 48:bjad037. [PMID: 37715960 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjad037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfactory training (OT) has been shown to be of value in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction. The present study aimed to investigate whether the efficacy of OT could be modulated with multisensory integration, attention towards odors, odor complexity, or physical activity assessed with a questionnaire. One hundred healthy participants were recruited and divided into 4 groups. Except for controls (n = 26, mean age ± SD = 36 ± 15 years) all participants performed OT 4 times a day. In the "video" group (n = 26, age 39 ± 19 years) OT was performed while watching specific and congruent video sequences. In the "counter" group (n = 24, 38 ± 17 years) participants additionally counted the number of odors 1 day per week, and in the "training only" group no additional measures were taken in addition to OT (n = 24, 38 ± 20 years). "Single-molecule" odorants or "complex mixtures" were distributed randomly for training stimulation. Sniffin' sticks tests (odor identification, odor discrimination, and odor threshold), cognitive tests, and a series of scales were measured at both baseline and after 3 months of OT. The degree of physical activity was recorded with a questionnaire. Olfactory function improved in the video and counter groups after OT, especially for odor threshold and discrimination. Yet, odor complexity and the degree of physical activity had limited effects on olfactory improvement after OT. Both multisensory interaction and attention towards odors plus OT appeared to facilitate improvement of olfactory function in healthy individuals compared with OT alone and controls, which could provide new promising treatments for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zetian Li
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Fetscherstarsse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Abriat Anne
- The Smell and Taste Lab, Rue Cramer 6, 1202 Genève, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Fetscherstarsse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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8
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Pieniak M, Oleszkiewicz A, Avaro V, Calegari F, Hummel T. Olfactory training - Thirteen years of research reviewed. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104853. [PMID: 36064146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The sense of smell is interrelated with psychosocial functioning. Olfactory disorders often decrease quality of life but treatment options for people with olfactory loss are limited. Additionally, olfactory loss accompanies and precedes psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Regular, systematic exposure to a set of odors, i.e., olfactory training (OT) has been offered for rehabilitation of the sense of smell in clinical practice. As signals from the olfactory bulb are directly projected to the limbic system it has been also debated whether OT might benefit psychological functioning, i.e., mitigate cognitive deterioration or improve emotional processing. In this review we synthesize key findings on OT utility in the clinical practice and highlight the molecular, cellular, and neuroanatomical changes accompanying olfactory recovery in people with smell loss as well as in experimental animal models. We discuss how OT and its modifications have been used in interventions aiming to support cognitive functions and improve well-being. We delineate main methodological challenges in research on OT and suggest areas requiring further scientific attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Pieniak
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany; University of Wrocław, Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Oleszkiewicz
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany; University of Wrocław, Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Vittoria Avaro
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Federico Calegari
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell and Taste Clinic, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Javed N, Ijaz Z, Khair AH, Dar AA, Lopez ED, Abbas R, Sheikh AB. COVID-19 loss of taste and smell: potential psychological repercussions. Pan Afr Med J 2022; 43:38. [PMID: 36505013 PMCID: PMC9716963 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2022.43.38.31329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a cause for global concern. Apart from a multitude of symptoms, the virus is known for its ability to cause loss of taste and smell that can be irreversible in a few cases. In fact, even after recovery, post-covid syndrome can still lead to devastating outcomes, specifically with reference to loss of smell and taste. A number of mechanisms that have been postulated include receptor-mediated uptake, increased inflammation, transneuronal migration, and direct damage to the olfactory pathway. Considering how important these two senses are, many psychological, social, and emotional repercussions can be expected. These repercussions include lowering of self-esteem and developmental of mental health issues. Long-term altered taste sensation can also lead to the development of unhealthy eating habits that can result in increasing risk for diabetes and hypertension. A few solutions have been investigated for treating these chemosensory dysfunctions, such as olfactory training, corticosteroids, theophylline and acupuncture. Although the results have been promising but a new modality, virtual reality, requires more in-depth exploration because it targets not only the dysfunction but also the mental health issues being experienced. It is important that affected individuals be provided with strong emotional and family support. Additionally, physicians can help the patients through support groups, cognitive behavioural therapy, olfactory, and virtual reality training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nismat Javed
- Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zainab Ijaz
- Department of Psychiatry, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Ali Hamza Khair
- Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aimen Asim Dar
- Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Erick Daniel Lopez
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Ramsha Abbas
- Shifa College of Medicine, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abu Baker Sheikh
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Schlintl C, Schienle A. Reduced Olfactory Memory Performance Is Associated with Executive Function Deficits in Older Adults. Exp Aging Res 2022; 49:347-359. [PMID: 36100444 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2022.2122651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous research has identified an association between olfactory impairment (reduced odor sensitivity/ identification/ discrimination) and cognitive impairment in older adults. The present study focused on the relationship between olfactory memory performance and cognitive/affective functioning. METHOD Recognition performance for olfactory and visual stimuli (control condition) was tested through a matching task in older adults (n = 44; Mage = 76 years) and younger adults (n = 56; Mage = 24 years). Additionally, negative affect (anxiety, depression) and cognitive functioning were assessed via validated questionnaires and a neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS The older participants performed worse than the younger adults in the olfactory memory task. In older adults, difficulties in remembering odors were associated with reduced odor identification and executive functioning (reduced cognitive flexibility). Affective well-being was not related to olfactory memory performance. IMPLICATION Olfactory memory impairment in older adulthood might be a marker for cognitive decline in areas related to executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Schlintl
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Anne Schienle
- Clinical Psychology, University of Graz, BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
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11
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Herz RS, Larsson M, Trujillo R, Casola MC, Ahmed FK, Lipe S, Brashear ME. A three-factor benefits framework for understanding consumer preference for scented household products: psychological interactions and implications for future development. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2022; 7:28. [PMID: 35362845 PMCID: PMC8972642 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-022-00378-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have deliberately scented their environment for purpose or pleasure for millennia. In the contemporary marketplace most consumers prefer and purchase scented versions of common household products. However, the drivers of this consumer preference have not been elucidated. To explain the attraction to scent in household products we propose a novel three-factor framework, comprising functional benefits (malodor mitigation, base odor coverage, freshening), in-use experience benefits (cleanliness, efficacy, pleasure), and emotional benefits (increasing in confidence, mood and nostalgia). To support this framework, we present new data from a market research survey on US consumer purchasing habits and attitudes towards home cleaning, laundry, and air freshening products. Further substantiating our framework, a focused review of olfactory psychological science illustrating the central role of scent in cognition, wellbeing, motivated behavior, and social behavior, as well as sensory marketing research highlights the benefits and implications of scent in consumer household products. Based on our three-factor framework we go on to discuss the potential for scent to influence health and raise issues to consider (such as potential negative responding to fragranced products). We conclude by showcasing new opportunities for future research in olfactory science and on scented household products that can advance the positive impacts of scent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Herz
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School, Brown University Medical School, 146 Thayer St., Providence, RI, 02912, USA. .,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, USA.
| | - Maria Larsson
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Stacy Lipe
- The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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12
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Dong J, Zhan X, Sun H, Fang F, Wei Y. Olfactory dysfunction is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a cross-sectional study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 279:1979-1987. [PMID: 34988658 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-07194-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk for olfactory dysfunction. However, the relationship between olfactory function and cognition in OSA patients is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between cognition and olfactory dysfunction (OD) in patients with OSA. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study in which 74 patients with OSA and 22 controls were recruited. All subjects completed polysomnography, Sniffin' Sticks, and -neurocognitive assessments. According to results of Sniffin' Sticks, OSA patients were divided into two groups: OSA with OD (53 cases) and OSA without OD (21 cases). Neurocognitive function was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Memory and Executive Screening (MES), and Shape Trail Test (STT). Cognition was compared between OSA with and without OD. Correlation between olfactory parameters and respiratory sleep parameters and neurocognitive assessments was analyzed. RESULTS Compared with OSA without OD, OSA with OD showed significantly decreased neurocognitive scores of MoCA (29-27 vs 27-23, p < 0.01), MES-5R (45-40.1 vs 43-33.5, p < 0.01) and increased consuming time of STT-B (91.66 vs 121.63, p < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between the scores of MoCA and MES-5R and all olfactory parameters. In addition, a negative correlation was present between the time consumed for STT-B and odor thresholds (r = - 0.344, p < 0.01), odor identification (r = - 0.335, p < 0.01), and threshold-discrimination-identification scores (r = - 0.448, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Olfactory function is associated cognitive function in patients with OSA and may provide a new direction for early treatment interventions in OSA patients at risk for cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Dong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Smell and Taste Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, No.2 Yabao Road, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Haili Sun
- Department of Otolaryngology, Smell and Taste Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Sleep Medical Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yongxiang Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology, Smell and Taste Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 2 Anzhen Road, Beijing, 100029, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, No.2 Yabao Road, Beijing, 100045, China.
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Thompson B, Green E, Scotcher K, Keenan ID. A Novel Cadaveric Embalming Technique for Enhancing Visualisation of Human Anatomy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1356:299-317. [PMID: 35146627 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-87779-8_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Within the discipline of anatomical education, the use of donated human cadavers in laboratory-based learning activities is often described as the 'gold standard' resource for supporting student understanding of anatomy. Due to both historical and educational factors, cadaveric dissection has traditionally been the approach against which other anatomy learning modalities and resources have been judged. To prepare human donors for teaching purposes, bodies must be embalmed with fixative agents to preserve the tissues. Embalmed cadavers can then be dissected by students or can be prosected or plastinated to produce teaching resources. Here, we describe the history of cadaveric preservation in anatomy education and review the practical strengths and limitations of current approaches for the embalming of human bodies. Furthermore, we investigate the pedagogic benefits of a range of established modern embalming techniques. We describe relevant cadaveric attributes and their impacts on learning, including the importance of colour, texture, smell, and joint mobility. We also explore the emotional and humanistic elements of the use of human donors in anatomy education, and the relative impact of these factors when alternative types of embalming process are performed. Based on these underpinnings, we provide a technical description of our modern Newcastle-WhitWell embalming process. In doing so, we aim to inform anatomy educators and technical staff seeking to embalm human donors rapidly and safely and at reduced costs, while enhancing visual and haptic tissue characteristics. We propose that our technique has logistical and pedagogic implications, both for the development of embalming techniques and for student visualisation and learning.
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14
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Shanahan LK, Bhutani S, Kahnt T. Olfactory perceptual decision-making is biased by motivational state. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001374. [PMID: 34437533 PMCID: PMC8389475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that internal factors influence how we perceive the world. However, it remains unclear whether and how motivational states, such as hunger and satiety, regulate perceptual decision-making in the olfactory domain. Here, we developed a novel behavioral task involving mixtures of food and nonfood odors (i.e., cinnamon bun and cedar; pizza and pine) to assess olfactory perceptual decision-making in humans. Participants completed the task before and after eating a meal that matched one of the food odors, allowing us to compare perception of meal-matched and non-matched odors across fasted and sated states. We found that participants were less likely to perceive meal-matched, but not non-matched, odors as food dominant in the sated state. Moreover, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data revealed neural changes that paralleled these behavioral effects. Namely, odor-evoked fMRI responses in olfactory/limbic brain regions were altered after the meal, such that neural patterns for meal-matched odor pairs were less discriminable and less food-like than their non-matched counterparts. Our findings demonstrate that olfactory perceptual decision-making is biased by motivational state in an odor-specific manner and highlight a potential brain mechanism underlying this adaptive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K. Shanahan
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (LKS); (TK)
| | - Surabhi Bhutani
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Thorsten Kahnt
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (LKS); (TK)
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15
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Pálsdóttir AM, Spendrup S, Mårtensson L, Wendin K. Garden Smellscape-Experiences of Plant Scents in a Nature-Based Intervention. Front Psychol 2021; 12:667957. [PMID: 34290648 PMCID: PMC8288369 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.667957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explores how participants suffering from stress-related mental disorders describe their perception, interaction, and lived experience of garden smellscape during their nature-based rehabilitation. Natural elements, and especially nature smells, have been found to have a profound effect on stress reduction, suggesting an interesting link between odor in nature and stress reduction. The study was conducted as a longitudinal case-study, running over a period of 5 years, investigating participants' perceptions of a garden smellscape, after completing a 12-weeks nature-based rehabilitation in Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden, Sweden. All participants were treated for stress-related mental disorders. Data were collected through retrospective semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis. The results revealed in what way nature odor (odor in nature) evoked associations, emotions, and physical reactions and provide examples of how nature scents function as a catalyst for sensory awareness and memories. Findings supported the understanding that experiencing the smell of plants, especially pelargonium, may facilitate stress reduction and support mental recovery in a real-life context. The results of the study can be used for several purposes; thus, they are relevant for actors within the development of nature-based therapy, as well as stakeholders within the horticultural industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna María Pálsdóttir
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Sara Spendrup
- Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Lennart Mårtensson
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Karin Wendin
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden.,Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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16
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Niedenthal S, Nilsson J. A Method for Computerized Olfactory Assessment and Training Outside of Laboratory or Clinical Settings. Iperception 2021; 12:20416695211023953. [PMID: 34178300 PMCID: PMC8202270 DOI: 10.1177/20416695211023953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There are currently few ways to reliably and objectively assess olfaction outside of the research laboratory or clinic. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for remote olfactory assessment; in particular, smell training at home is a promising method for olfactory rehabilitation, but further methodological advances might enhance its effectiveness and range of use. Here, we present Exerscent, a portable, low-cost olfactory display designed primarily for uses outside of the laboratory and that can be operated with a personal computer. Exerscent includes Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that are attached to odor stimuli and read with a MFRC522 module RFID reader/antenna that encodes the odor in order to provide adaptive challenges for the user (e.g., an odor identification task). Hardware parts are commercially available or 3D printed. Instructions and code for building the Exerscent are freely available online (https://osf.io/kwftm/). As a proof of concept, we present a case study in which a participant trained daily to identify 54 odors, improving from 81% to 96% accuracy over 16 consecutive days. In addition, results from a laboratory experiment with 11 volunteers indicated a very high level of perceived usability and engagement. Exerscent may be used for olfactory skills development (e.g., perfumery, enology), and rehabilitation purposes (e.g., postviral olfactory loss), but it also allows for other forms of technological interactions such as olfactory-based recreational interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Niedenthal
- Simon Niedenthal, Faculty of Culture and Society, Malmö University, Nordenskiöldsgatan 1A, Malmö 211 19, Sweden.
| | - Johannes Nilsson
- School of Arts and Communication, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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17
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Olofsson JK. Olfaction and Aging: A Review of the Current State of Research and Future Directions. Iperception 2021; 12:20416695211020331. [PMID: 34249327 PMCID: PMC8239976 DOI: 10.1177/20416695211020331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfaction, the sense of smell, is characterized by a notable age-dependency such that aging individuals are more likely to have poor olfactory abilities. These impairments are considered to be mostly irreversible and as having potentially profound effects on quality of life and food behavior, as well as constituting warning signs of mortality, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. Here, we review the current state of research on aging and olfaction, focusing on five topics which we regard to be of particular relevance for the field: nutrition and health, cognition and dementia, mortality, environment and genetics, and training-based enhancement. Under each of these headlines, we provide a state-of-the-art overview and discuss gaps in our knowledge which might be filled by further research. Understanding how olfactory abilities are diminished in aging, and how they may be alleviated or recovered, involves a set of challenging tasks for researchers in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas K. Olofsson
- Gösta Ekman Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Oleszkiewicz A, Bottesi L, Pieniak M, Fujita S, Krasteva N, Nelles G, Hummel T. Olfactory training with Aromastics: olfactory and cognitive effects. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 279:225-232. [PMID: 33864109 PMCID: PMC8051546 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-06810-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The olfactory system can be successfully rehabilitated with regular, intermittent stimulation during multiple daily exposures to selected sets of odors, i.e., olfactory training (OT). OT has been repeatedly shown to be an effective tool of olfactory performance enhancement. Recent advancements in studies on OT suggest that its beneficial effects exceed olfaction and extend to specific cognitive tasks. So far, studies on OT provided compelling evidence for its effectiveness, but there is still a need to search for an optimal OT protocol. The present study examined whether increased frequency of OT leads to better outcomes in both olfactory and cognitive domains. Method Fifty-five subjects (28 females; Mage = 58.2 ± 11.3 years; 26 patients with impaired olfaction) were randomly assigned to a standard (twice a day) or intense (four times a day) OT. Olfactory and cognitive measurements were taken before and after OT. Results OT performed twice a day was more effective in supporting olfactory rehabilitation and interventions targeted to verbal semantic fluency than OT performed four times a day, even more so in subjects with lower baseline scores. Conclusions OT is effective in supporting olfactory rehabilitation and interventions targeted to verbal semantic fluency. However, it may be prone to a ceiling effect, being efficient in subjects presenting with lower baseline olfactory performance and lower verbal semantic fluency. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00405-021-06810-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Oleszkiewicz
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany. .,Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, ul. Dawida 1, 50-527, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Laura Bottesi
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michal Pieniak
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, ul. Dawida 1, 50-527, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Shuji Fujita
- Sony Corporation, New Business & Technology Development Group, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0075, Japan
| | - Nadejda Krasteva
- Sony Europe B.V., RD Center Stuttgart Laboratory 2, Hedelfingerstr. 61, 70327, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gabriele Nelles
- Sony Europe B.V., RD Center Stuttgart Laboratory 2, Hedelfingerstr. 61, 70327, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
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