A NYT article on olfactory training notes that olfaction tends to be dysfunctional in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and that "A diminished sense of smell is associated with worsening memory , cognition and overall well-being — as well as dementia and depression." Fortunately, our sense of smell can be educated, with the potential to stave off some degree of cognitive decline. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/18/well/mind/nose-mental-health-brain-smell.html I hadn't realized how much peer-reviewed scientific work is out there on this topic: there are reasonably large literature reviews backing olfactory training as an impactful step in maintaining neurological health. Go Basenoters!What are some of the ways that you challenge yourself in your olfactory erudition, so to speak?For me, it has been important to sniff bottles of essential oils or other formulations to get better at identifying single notes. The other challenge I take on is appreciating vintage perfume in its rich differences from contemporary perfumery.Is anyone engaged with their spice cabinets, or other non-perfumery olfactory training?

Source: New York Times July 01, 2024 16:58 UTC