Could Smell Be the Key to Unlocking Memories for People With Dementia?

The Hebrew Home in New York is experimenting with the use of aromas to counter age-related memory loss in people with dementia, reports CBS New York . The aromas are professionally formulated by International Flavors & Fragrances, producing smells reminiscent of hot dogs, grass, leather mitts, popcorn, and beer to remind people of baseball games in Yankee Stadium. Molly Fogel with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America says the aromas are a type of reminiscence therapy. She says it offers "an opportunity to go back in time, to be able to engage, whether it's the individual living with the disease or the care partner, and be able to engage in a moment of joy. They may not be able to access that on an everyday basis." People with dementia often have trouble with short-term memories, but long-term memories are still present, although inaccessible. Olfactory stimulation is one way to access these memories, and help individuals feel more grounded and stable because they are transported to a time when they were healthy. "We're going to measure it scientifically," says RiverSpring CEO Daniel Reingold. "Whether there's memory improvement, less agitation, also senses of satisfaction."