This nightly ritual will improve memory and brain health

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It's no secret that the older we get, the more cognitive impairments occur in our brains, and they become a risk factor for developing dementia.

Scientists from the Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory at UCI (University of California, Irvine) conducted a study that helped to understand that there is a nighttime ritual that can improve memory and brain health.

The experiment involved 43 people aged 60 to 85. They were randomly assigned to two groups. People in the first group placed an essential oil diffuser next to their bed and used it for two hours every night for six months, while the control group did not.

During the study, the first group was exposed to seven different scents:

• rose,
• lemon,
• orange,
• lavender,
• eucalyptus,
• peppermint,
• rosemary.

At the beginning and end of the study, scientists conducted neuropsychological tests, the results of which were stunning.

It was found that elderly people in the first group showed a 226 percent improvement in a word memory test compared to citizens who did not use an essential oil diffuser.

Brain imaging also showed improved integrity of memory-related pathways, which typically deteriorate with age.

According to scientists, the sense of smell has the special privilege of being directly connected to the brain's memory circuits. Enriching this sense can provide an effective, low-effort way to improve brain health.

Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) describes problems with memory or thinking that is not severe enough for doctors to diagnose dementia.

Symptoms of MCI:

• frequent loss things,
• forgetfulness,
• Problems with word selection.

People with mild cognitive impairment are recommended to visit a doctor or specialist every 6-12 months, to monitor health.

Experts estimate that 10 to 20% of people age 65 and older with MCI are at risk: they have dementia develops over the course of a year.

Doctors say there are ways to minimize the risk of developing dementia. According to them, a healthy lifestyle helps to minimize the risk of developing dementia in old age.