Olfactory training improves cognition and memory in healthy older adults.

Is it true that olfactory training improves cognition and memory in healthy older adults?

Unclear. A 2024 systematic review and a scoping review of adults aged 55+ report that olfactory training is associated with improved cognition, particularly verbal fluency and working memory, though the evidence is described as emerging and includes participants with cognitive impairment. A dementia trial found memory improvements from intensive olfactory training, but that population is not healthy older adults.

Verdict: PARTIAL LEAN · 4 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Vance, D. E., Bene, V. A. D., Kamath, V., Frank, J. S., Billings, R., Cho, D., Byun, J. Y., Jacob, A., Anderson, J. N., Visscher, K., Triebel, K., Martin, K. M., Li, W., Puga, F., & Fazeli, P. L. (2024). Does Olfactory Training Improve Brain Function and Cognition? A Systematic Review.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11065-022-09573-0

J, H., C, Z., M, W., H, Y., & G, Y. (2025). Effect of eight-form Tai Chi combined with olfactory stimulation on working memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1724647

Aging and Olfactory Training: A Scoping Review - PMC Lock. (n.d.). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae044

Effect of intensive olfactory training for cognitive function in patients with dementia. (n.d.). cir.nii.ac.jp. https://doi.org/10.1111/ggi.14287