Presentation Details
| Effects of physical exercise and olfactory training with pleasant and unpleasant odors on verbal fluency and depression Agnieszka Sabiniewicz1, 2, Aleksandra Reichert2, Anna Oleszkiewicz1, 2, Antje Haehner1, Thomas Hummel1. 1Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.2Institute of Psychology, Department of Historical and Pegagogical Sciences, University of Wroclaw, Wrocław, Poland |
Abstract
Mechanisms of olfactory training (OT) in older adults require a more profound understanding, considering its potential beneficial effects in age-related olfactory, cognitive, and affective decline. To address this question, we examined the role of OT odor hedonics in 128 participants aged between 50 to 85 years (Mage = 68.3±7.2; 25 men). Additionally, we explored the role of physical activity in possible changes in olfactory function, depression score, and cognitive outcome. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups, of which two performed OT with either a) pleasant or b) unpleasant odors, one c) performed physical exercises and no OT, or d) a control group without OT or physical exercises. Results indicate a beneficial effect of OT, both with pleasant and unpleasant odors, on cognitive function, as measured with verbal fluency. Such an influence was particularly noted in the OT group exposed daily to unpleasant odors which may be caused by the activating effects of unpleasant stimuli on cognitive processes. Furthermore, physical exercise alone also caused an increase in verbal fluency, even though the effect was weaker compared to both OT groups. Finally, a significant beneficial effect of OT on depression score was noted, but only in the group that, in the pre-training appointment, displayed relatively robust depression symptoms. OT may be of particular use for older people due to their risk of age-related cognitive decline and depression.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.