Research progress in roles of olfactory stimulation in improving cognitive dysfunction
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.