Familiar smells can help recall memories and, consequently, relieve symptoms of depression and improve cognitive function.
Recent studies highlight the growing recognition of olfactory interventions as a therapeutic tool for people suffering from depression. Depression often leads to memory recall problems, particularly when it comes to vivid, episodic memories that are essential for emotional regulation and decision-making. New research shows that familiar smells can aid in memory recall and, consequently, alleviate symptoms of depression and improve cognitive function.
The olfactory system, unlike the other senses, has a direct connection to the amygdala and hippocampus, two areas of the brain that are heavily involved in processing emotions and storing memories. When we encounter a familiar scent, this unique sensory pathway bypasses the thalamus and directly activates these memory-processing areas, explaining why scents often evoke more vivid and emotional memories than words or images. Studies, such as those conducted by Dr. Kimberly Young at the University of Pittsburgh, have shown that people with depression are more likely to recall specific and emotionally positive memories when presented with olfactory stimuli, such as coffee or oranges, compared to verbal stimuli. This may suggest that olfactory-based therapies could be an effective alternative or complement to traditional treatments.
Memory retrieval is a critical component of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on restructuring the negative thought patterns that perpetuate depression. The ability to recall specific positive memories can help patients challenge negative assumptions and improve their mood. The emotional connection between smell and memory is mediated by the amygdala, often called the “emotional brain.” Because smells more readily activate this region, olfactory cues can act as powerful regulators of emotion. For people with depression, this enhanced recall of emotions could be harnessed to help break the negative cognitive cycles that often fuel depressive symptoms.
Dr. Yang’s findings are supported by a growing body of research examining the connection between smell and emotional health. For example, a 2020 study published in Scientific American found that memories evoked by smells can influence emotional responses and our physical state, such as heart rate or blood pressure. This connection between smell and emotion regulation has been explored in a variety of clinical settings. Essential oils, such as lavender, jasmine, and citrus, have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in numerous clinical trials. In one study of terminally ill patients, lavender aromatherapy improved both the mood of patients and the well-being of their caregivers. These findings suggest that familiar scents may provide emotional relief not only to the patient but also to those around them.
In an interesting study by Steve Ramirez at Boston University, it was found that olfactory cues can prevent the natural decay of memory details over time by reactivating the hippocampus. Ramirez’s research suggested that olfactory cues could act as long-term investigators for memory reactivation, even in cases where memories would normally pass from the hippocampus to the prefrontal cortex. This has promising implications for the treatment of mood disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where patients have difficulty managing traumatic memories. Scent-based therapies could be used to reactivate and control these memories, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional PTSD treatments, such as exposure therapy.
Aromatherapy, often considered a complementary therapy, has gained popularity due to its calming and mood-enhancing effects. The use of essential oils, such as lavender, verbena, and sandalwood, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety when used in diffusers, massage oils, or bath salts. These everyday applications of aromatherapy can be easily incorporated into daily routines, providing emotional relief in non-clinical settings. However, it is important to note that not all people react to scents in the same way. While some may experience a positive emotional response, others may find that certain scents trigger painful memories.
