Cognition and memory enhancement via multiple odorant stimulation

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods, kits, and devices for improving cognitive function and memory through olfactory stimulation. In some embodiments, olfactory stimulation is performed by releasing one or more scents according to an olfactory stimulation regimen or schedule. The methods, kits and devices described herein can provide a large impact on cognition with minimal effort and cost. They can be used widely and effectively among older adults, children, and other populations in need of improved cognitive performance.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of improving cognitive function of a human comprising:
 establishing a daily treatment schedule including a plurality of intervals separated by breaks;   inputting the daily treatment schedule into a scent-delivery device such that the device delivers one of a plurality of scents during each interval, and stops the delivery of the scent at the end of the interval;   ensuring that scents delivered during consecutive intervals are sufficiently distinct from each other so as to be distinguished by said human;   ensuring that no scent is repeated more than once during the daily treatment schedule;   repeating the daily treatment schedule each day for a predetermined treatment length.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein establishing the daily treatment schedule including the plurality of intervals separated by breaks comprises scheduling a plurality of 30 minute intervals separated by 5 minute breaks. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein establishing the daily treatment schedule including the plurality of intervals separated by breaks comprises scheduling at least three intervals separated by breaks. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein inputting the daily treatment schedule into a scent-delivery device comprises wirelessly connecting the device to a handheld electronic device having an application that allows the schedule to be uploaded to the scent-delivery device. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein inputting the daily treatment schedule into a scent-delivery device comprises setting a start time. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein establishing a daily treatment schedule comprises basing an initiation of the schedule on an activity signifying that a user is going to bed. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein said activity comprises plugging a handheld device into the scent-delivery device. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein said activity comprises a biometric sensor, wirelessly connected to the hand-held device, providing data that indicates the user has begun a sleep-cycle. 
     
     
         9 . A device for providing cognitive-improvement olfactory therapy comprising:
 a housing defining at least one cavity, each of said at least one cavity sized to receive a removable scent cartridge, and a vent;   at least one fan adjacent the at least one cavity and capable of moving air through said at least one cavity;   at least one motor associated with the at least one fan;   a control board that controls the at least one motor according to a daily schedule that includes a plurality of intervals separated by breaks, and initiates the daily schedule at a start event;   wherein during an interval, the at least one fan is activated such that air is pushed through the vent and an associated at least one cavity, thereby emitting an odor when a scent cartridge is placed in the at least one cavity;   wherein during a break, the at least one fan is not activated.   
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9  further comprising moveable covers associated with each of said cavities and mechanized to move between an open position to a closed position, said covers controlled by said control board. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the start event comprises a time of day. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 9  wherein the start event comprises data received from a biometric sensor indicating a user has begun a sleep cycle. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 9  further comprising a personal electronic device wirelessly connected to control board, and wherein said personal electronic device provides said daily schedule. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13  wherein said start event determined by said personal electronic device. 
     
     
         15 . A method of improving cognitive function of a human comprising:
 providing a plurality of scents categorized into scent families, each family including scent sub groups, according to a fragrance wheel arranged such that adjacent sub groups have similarities;   establishing a daily treatment schedule including a plurality of intervals separated by breaks, wherein a scent is administered to a recipient during an interval and no scent is administered during a break;   ensuring that scents delivered during consecutive intervals are sufficiently distinct from each other so as to be distinguished by said human;   ensuring that no scent is repeated more than once during the daily treatment schedule;   repeating the daily treatment schedule each day for a predetermined treatment length.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein administering the daily schedule to the recipient comprises using a device that automatically emits said scents according to said daily schedule. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  the daily schedule is administered to a recipient while the recipient is sleeping. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said scent families comprise floral notes, oriental notes, woody notes, and fresh notes. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said scent families comprise floral notes, fruity notes, resinous notes, and spicy notes. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein using a device comprises programming the device to begin the daily schedule a predetermined amount of time after the user has gone to bed.