Research progress in roles of olfactory stimulation in improving cognitive dysfunction
10.7644/j.issn.1674-9960.2024.09.011
- VernacularTitle:嗅觉刺激在改善认知功能障碍中的研究进展
- Author:
Wei ZHU
1
;
Haowei WU
;
Donggang XU
Author Information
1. 军事科学院军事医学研究院,北京 100850
- Keywords:
olfactory pathway;
olfactory stimulation;
plant essential oils;
volatile organic compounds;
cognitive dys-function
- From:
Military Medical Sciences
2024;48(9):701-707
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Cognitive dysfunction,predominantly a consequence of neurodegenerative disorders,is a burgeoning health issue.Odor molecules have the unique ability to circumvent the blood-brain barrier through the olfactory pathway,exerting a direct influence on cognitive-related brain regions including the entorhinal cortex,hippocampus,and amygdala,without transiting through the thalamus.These olfactory molecules,mostly sourced from natural plant essential oils,are character-ized by significant volatility,minimal adverse reactions,and abundant availability.Hence,research into and applications of olfactory stimulation in improving cognitive dysfunction have raised widespread concerns.This article reviews the rela-tionship between the olfactory pathway and cognitive brain regions,and explores the mechanism by which natural plant es-sential oils alleviate cognitive dysfunction through olfactory stimulation in order to provide a reference for improving cogni-tive function via olfactory stimulation.
