Reminiscence Therapy
In the same way a smell can transport you back to your childhood, using smell is like putting Reminiscence Therapy on steroids!
Reminiscence Therapy is a powerful method that helps older adults recall and engage with their memories, enhancing mood, self-esteem, and overall mental health. This therapy becomes even more effective when combined with scent, due to the direct connections between our sense of smell and the brain's memory and emotion centers, such as the hippocampus and amygdala. These connections make scent the most evocative sense tied to memory [1], [2], [3]
The use of scent in Reminiscence Therapy is a relatively new idea, with emerging research beginning to explore its potential. One of the only studies conducted to date on this topic, led by Hideaki Hanaoka and his team, highlights the significant impact of scent in enhancing the effectiveness of Reminiscence Therapy. This study, available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), underscores how olfactory cues can trigger more vivid and impactful memories, strengthening the neural pathways associated with these recollections. [4]
Scientists support the concept that "neurons that fire together, wire together." This means that when memories are triggered by scent, the brain's neural pathways are strengthened, making those memories more vivid and impactful. [5], [6] This is why incorporating carefully chosen scents into Reminiscence Therapy can deepen the therapeutic experience, helping residents connect more profoundly with their past and improving their emotional well-being.
For facilities using CogniScent’s services, this approach offers a unique way to elevate the care provided to residents. By integrating scent into therapy sessions, facilities can create a richer, more engaging environment that not only supports cognitive health but also fosters a comforting and familiar atmosphere for residents. [7], [8] Incorporating scent makes Reminiscence Therapy an even more effective tool in improving the quality of life for older adults.
Smell and Memory
Harvard Medical School
Smell and Memory
Harvard Medical School
Our Proposal for a Partnered Resident Experience
Every resident in your facility has a unique life story, and the scents that trigger their most powerful memories are just as personal. While some scents may resonate with many, others unlock deeply significant moments. For example, a resident who spent years on a cattle ranch might vividly recall the sweetness of corn-based cattle feed, while the scent of zucchini bread could bring back memories of a life filled with baking and family gatherings for someone who spend time in the kitchen carling for those they loved.
We’re currently assembling specialized kits for Reminiscence Therapy, designed to help residents reconnect with the most impactful moments of their lives. If you’d like to be notified when these kits are available, please let us know. In the meantime, we’d love to create a custom scent experience tailored to your residents’ unique histories. Your feedback and insights are crucial in helping us craft strategies that honor and celebrate the remarkable lives your residents have lived. Please consider partnering with us to make a meaningful difference in your residents’ lives.