How Enhancing Your Sense of Smell Can Help You Stay Sharp with Age

Typically, I’m not keen on lotions or potions, yet now I find four small vials on my bedside table.

Each morning and evening, I open each vial, inhale deeply, and savor the scent that envelops me. I am first hit by the sharpness of lemon rind, followed by the polished eucalyptus, the sweetness of roses, and the metallic warmth of cloves.

This new habit—paying attention to a neglected sense—was sparked by compelling studies linking olfactory sensitivity to cognitive performance. Notably, research indicates a correlation between poor olfactory function and declines in cognitive assessment scores. Olfactory dysfunction is also linked to over 100 medical conditions, including ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and various age-related cognitive disorders.

While some olfactory disorders are clearly the result of neurological issues, recent studies propose that losing the sense of smell could actually contribute to certain health conditions. Failing the sniff test might limit life expectancy, a chilling thought in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has left many with diminished olfactory capabilities.

“By middle age, olfactory ability can predict all-cause mortality,” says Michael Leon, a neurobiologist at the University of California, Irvine.

Such findings have inspired research into whether “smelling training” can help restore this often subconscious sense and enhance mental acuity. Current studies and real-life experiences suggest that this is indeed possible.