Breathing in pleasant scents during sleep could surprisingly enhance brain health, boost memory and offer a simple way to deter dementia, according to a study conducted by neuroscientists. Aromatherapy’s surprising memory boost, in this experiment, 23 older adults aged 60 to 85 without memory issues inhaled odorants while asleep. Aromatherapy resulted in a significant improvement in memory over six months.

The study author, Michael Leon, a neurobiology and behavior professor at the University of California, Irvine, explained that enriching individuals with scents led to larger and more functional memory areas. Conversely, compromised olfaction was linked to memory centers deteriorating.

Participants were divided into two groups. One exposed to odorant diffusers with essential oils like rose, orange, and lavender, and the other to distilled water with a trace of odorant. After six months, those who experienced bedtime aromatherapy showed a 226% increase in cognitive capacity compared to the control group. Changes included better word-list recall performance and improved cognitive function.

Jay Gottfried, a neurology and psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that smell can impact post-sleep memory. The olfactory system’s direct link to memory centers sets it apart from other senses.

Brain imaging revealed better integrity in the left uncinate fasciculus pathway, essential for memory and decision-making. While quality of sleep remained similar between groups. Inhaling aromas during sleep might contribute to aromatherapy’s surprising memory boost.

Michael Yassa, a study co-author, suggested investigating therapies to maintain the sense of smell. The findings hint at potential olfactory treatments for memory impairment. The study underscores the fascinating connection between scent, sleep, and memory enhancement, offering a glimpse into potential future interventions for cognitive health.