Week 3

Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog!

Last week, I had another productive meeting with my mentor, Dr. Omura. We talked more about the possibilities of interviews and potential contacts. I also reviewed my interview questions and sent them to her for further review. Some questions I plan to ask include “beyond Alzheimer’s disease, what other patient populations might benefit from this type of research in the future?” and “What challenges would need to be addressed before olfactory therapy could be widely adopted in clinical practice?”

This week I read a few more sources to supplement my research for my senior project, and I came across the study “From Nose to Memory: The Involuntary Nature of Odor-evoked Autobiographical Memories in Alzheimer’s Disease” by El Haj et. al (2017) which examines how smells can automatically trigger personal memories in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike voluntary recall, which is often impaired in Alzheimer’s patients, odor-evoked memories arise spontaneously without conscious effort. The researchers found that these memories tend to be more vivid, emotional, and detailed, suggesting that olfactory cues can access memory pathways that remain relatively preserved despite the disease. These findings highlight the unique connection between the olfactory system and brain regions involved in memory and emotion, allowing smells to bypass some cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer’s. As a result, odor-evoked memories may provide a valuable tool for improving memory access and emotional experiences in patients, especially for those who may find difficulties in recollection. This research supports the idea that incorporating smell-based cues into therapeutic practices could enhance well-being and help individuals reconnect with their personal past.

Works Cited

EL Haj, M., Gandolphe, M. C., Gallouj, K., Kapogiannis, D., & Antoine, P. (2017). From Nose to Memory: The Involuntary Nature of Odor-evoked Autobiographical Memories in Alzheimer’s Disease. Chemical Senses, 43(1), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjx064