Have you ever thought about how our senses impact our brain health as we age? Imagine someone struggling with hearing loss from the age of 50 but only seeking help in their 70s. That’s two decades of auditory deprivation, leading to changes in neural connections and cognitive decline. It’s like gaps appear, affecting comprehension and brain plasticity, making it less “sharp.
”
Research also highlights that progressive olfactory loss in old age plays a similar role in cognitive decline. The good news is that we can train our ability to identify smells and improve this function.
A multidisciplinary team from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Bunkyo Gakuin University, Hosei University (both based in Tokyo), and University of the Arts London has devised a method to stimulate the sense of smell. In Japan, where over 28% of the population is over 65 years old, this innovation holds particular relevance.
In an immersive virtual reality game created by the researchers, participants engage with a stone statue that releases a scent when touched. They then navigate through a landscape to find the source of that scent, akin to a treasure hunt. Subtle emissions guide them to the correct location where they encounter a stone lantern commonly found in Japanese gardens emitting three different scents. The task involves comparing these aromas and identifying the correct one.
“
Virtual reality is a promising platform for simulating sensory conditions in a controlled environment,” explained Professor Takamichi Nakamoto, one of the project leaders. He emphasized that besides stimulating memory, this activity enhances spatial navigation skills.
The study demonstrated cognitive improvement among participants aged between 63 and 90 years old. They significantly enhanced their ability to recognize word positions on a panel after engaging in this olfactory training.
This innovative approach not only benefits cognitive function but also offers new avenues for tackling sensory-related cognitive issues among older adults. By tapping into our sense of smell through interactive experiences like these, we can potentially enhance overall brain health and quality of life as we age.
Leave feedback about this