Smell-based memory training : Evidence of olfactory learning andtransfer to a visual task

• In cognitive training interventions, engaging in visual processing tasks rarely stimulate transfer of learning to untrained tasks. Human and animal research suggests that the sense of smell, olfaction, are intimately associated with visual-spatial orientation and memory encoding networks. In this study, we investigated if olfactory enhancement would facilitate visuo-spatial learning. We devised an odor memory intervention to investigate “asymmetric” transfer effects such that odor-based memory training would transfer to a visual-based memory gain, but not vice versa. Participants were randomly assigned to daily memory training for 40 days with either the odor task or a visual control task with a similar difficulty level. Results showed that while visual training did not produce transfer, olfactory training produced transfer to the untrained visual memory task. Furthermore, odor training uniquely improved participants’ performance on odor discrimination and naming tasks to achieve the performance level of wine experts. Our results indicate that the olfactory system is highly responsive to training, and the sense of smell might be a promising vehicle to achieve perceptual and cognitive enhancement.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

smell

olfactory disorders

odorants

memory

spatial learning

Psychology

psykologi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)