Why Scent Triggers Such Powerful Memories

We all have certain scents that usher in a flood of memories—and even emotion—with a singular whiff.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind The Connection Between Scents & Memories   We all have certain scents that usher in a flood of memories—and even emotion—with a singular whiff. Interestingly, experts say the memories associated with smells tend to be older, less visited ones, and that when the recollection happens it's quite vivid.   This connection between the olfactory and powerful memories has long been acknowledged, but it hasn't been wholly understood from an empirical perspective. That's changing. In 2021—perhaps triggered by the conversations surrounding loss of smell from COVID-19—several scientific studies have taken a closer look at this connection.   For example, one study from Northwestern Medicine identified a neural basis for how the brain enables odors to trigger powerful memories. Additionally, researchers from the University of California-Irvine, discovered specific types of neurons within the memory center of the brain that are responsible for acquiring new associative memories.   Long story short: the central brain structures of the olfactory system have privileged access to the structures of the limbic system.     People often say that the sense of smell conjures up memories so well that they feel as if they were experiencing the event again," — MARIE-HELENE PELLETIER, PhD, MBA  What This Means For You There's still quite a bit we don't understand about scents and memories, but our understanding is starting to become more well-rounded. Further, the answers we've found have conjured new questions, specifically surrounding loss of smell and COVID-19.   Hopefully, with time, we'll have a greater understanding of how COVID related loss of smell impacts aspects of cognitive and emotional function, including memory.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Co-hosted by beauty editors Sable Yong and Tynan Sinks, the Smell Ya Later podcast explores every imaginable angle in which we interact with the aromas of our lives, the smells that have seared themselves into memories, and scents that inform the way we envision our future. Products to Help You Feel Your Best Anecdote Candles strives to make fragrance a conversation piece. Each candle was inspired by personal recollections and cultural trends and aims to tell a story through scent. For autumn, consider Basic, which "smells like pumpkin spiced lattes and cable knit sweaters." Those who've lost their sense of smell have been instructed to try "smell training,"—AKA physical training for the olfactory system. This YouTube video, created by Fauquier ENT, walks you through a simple smell training exercise using four strong scents: eucalyptus, rose, lemon, and clove.  Read These Next New Research Explains Why Scent Triggers Such Powerful Memories READ NOW How Does Your Long-Term Memory Work? READ NOW How to Forget Things On Purpose READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy