Smell Can Aid Memory
Returning to memories through the sense of smell could be beneficial in severe depressive states. This might be a good way to break away from constant negative thoughts. Scents are potentially a better stimulator for recall than verbal cues.
According to scientists from the University of Pittsburgh, USA, memories are clearer with the help of smells. They argue that our sense of smell brings us back to memories because it directly connects with the amygdala in the brain – the area responsible for processing emotions, also known as the almond-shaped body. It links emotions with memories.
For the purposes of the study, volunteers were given to smell various familiar aromas, such as coffee and oranges. Subsequently, they shared memories associated with these scents. To return to memories in the next stage, voice prompts were used.
When using the sense of smell, memories are more detailed – someone who smelled coffee is more likely to remember a specific event when they were drinking coffee, including the environment and the people around them. In comparison, for those who were reminded of coffee, more general memories arise.
The emotion associated with memories is also stronger in those who used their sense of smell. There is also a tendency to recall more positive memories.
The function of the amygdala can be influenced by neurological or psychiatric disorders. This small part of the brain is associated with experiencing fear and anxiety, but it is also linked to social behavior, habits, and addictions. Conditions related to amygdala impairment include post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and autism.
Our sense of smell is a sensory system that conveys information about the odors in the environment. Besides the amygdala, sensory information from the nose also passes through the hypothalamus – a brain region associated with memory.
There are hundreds of receptors responsible for recognizing different smells. Impairment or loss of our sense of smell can lead to disruptions in brain functions, including memory loss and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Infections can cause the loss of smell. The same can happen with head injuries, exposure to harmful chemicals, smoking, nasal polyps, and more. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s also manifest with the loss of smell.
