Scents and Their Impact: How Essential Oils Help with Dementia 0 10

Each of us has likely encountered the amazing ability of scents to transport us back in time and evoke the same emotions as before. The smell of fresh pastries brings back memories of childhood and grandmother, while the fragrance of perfumes we used many years ago takes us back to times when we experienced feelings that seemed to be gone forever. Scientists have decided to harness this magical power of scents and extract practical benefits from it.

Mint as an Alternative to Medications?

Professor of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry Snezhana Agatonovich-Kushtin presented the results of a study on the effects of essential oils on patients with neurodegenerative diseases. The work was published in the scientific journal Discover. It claims that herbs from the Lamiaceae family (mint family) may help in the fight against dementia and could, in the future, after clinical trials, take their place alongside pharmaceutical drugs. In particular, it concerns the essential oils of plants such as peppermint, lemon balm, lavender, rosemary, sage, basil, oregano, and thyme. According to Agatonovich-Kushtin, their action is similar to that of the drug donepezil — an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

According to one of the scientists' hypotheses, this neurodegenerative disease arises from a deficiency of acetylcholine in the brain, which plays a key role in memory and learning processes. This important substance can be broken down by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is why doctors prescribe medications that block this enzyme, such as donepezil.

The Abilities of Terpenoids

Essential oils contain terpenes and terpenoids — natural organic compounds that can enter the bloodstream through the nose or skin and cross the blood-brain barrier. They inhibit (suppress) acetylcholinesterase, leading to an increase in acetylcholine levels in the brain. “Thus, aromatherapy using essential oils from the mint family slows the progression of cognitive impairments and improves the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia,” emphasizes Agatonovich-Kushtin. Positive results have been obtained in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The work continues, but even now the results look promising. It can be confidently stated that some patients have achieved relief through aromatherapy.

“Essential oils cannot completely cure a patient, but they can significantly improve their condition,” noted the professor. “However, according to the study's data, essential oils may also be beneficial in treating neurological and other diseases.”

Currently, scientific schools in different countries are searching for essential oils that can help with dementia. Aromatherapy using oils of lavender, lemon, orange, Ferulago angulata, eucalyptus, and cypress has shown good results.

Snezhana Agatonovich-Kushtin has been conducting similar research for many years. According to her data, terpenoids can interact with various receptors in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin receptors, which helps reduce cortisol production. This helps patients calm down, reduces nervous tension, alleviates anxiety, and improves overall mood. Thus, essential oils also have a pronounced preventive effect, as it is known that depression and chronic stress can significantly increase the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease in the future.