PITTSBURGH: A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh suggests that familiar smells could hold the key to unlocking positive memories, potentially offering a new avenue for people struggling with depression.
The research, published in Jama Network Open, involved 32 participants with major depressive disorder, aged between 18 and 55. They were exposed to 12 different scents, ranging from Vicks VapoRub to coffee and vanilla extract, among others.
After inhaling each scent, participants were prompted to recall specific memories and indicate whether they were positive or negative. Surprisingly, the study found that persons experiencing depression were more likely to recall specific events when triggered by familiar scents compared to verbal cues.
Lead author Kymberly Young, also an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, highlighted the profound impact of scents on memory recall. She noted that smells evoke memories that feel more vivid, immersive, and real compared to word cues.
Depression Treatment
The study revealed that the amygdala, a key region of the brain responsible for processing emotions, plays a crucial role in memory recall triggered by scents. Scents activate the amygdala through nerve connections in the olfactory bulb, the part of the brain associated with the sense of smell.
The findings suggest that improving memory recall in individuals with depression could potentially aid in their healing process. By tapping into the power of familiar scents, researchers aim to provide new therapeutic approaches for managing depression and enhancing overall well-being.
Young expressed surprise that previous research had not explored memory recall in depressed persons using scent cues. Encouraged by the positive response to scents triggering happy memories in non-depressed individuals, Young believes that further exploration of scent-based therapies could offer promising results for those struggling with depression.
