Innovative Virtual Reality Program Uses Smell to Enhance Cognitive Function in Older Adults

A groundbreaking approach to combating cognitive decline in the elderly has emerged through the combination of virtual reality (VR) technology and olfactory stimulation. Researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo, alongside collaborators from University of the Arts London, Bunkyo Gakuin University, and Hosei University in Japan, have developed a unique cognitive training method that leverages scent cues within immersive VR environments. Published in Scientific Reports on March 28, 2025, this pioneering study explores how engaging the sense of smell can promote brain health.

Olfactory stimulation is known for its powerful connection to memory and emotion-related brain regions, as scent signals are directly transmitted to these areas. The new VR-based program involves an olfactory display that emits specific aromas during gameplay. Participants interact with virtual objects, such as a stone statue, which releases scents when touched, reinforced by visual vapor cues to aid memory encoding.

During the activity, users explore a virtual landscape, searching for a scent source and locating it by following subtle olfactory traces emitted by the device. Once they reach the scent source—depicted as a stone lantern—they confront three vapor clouds, each emitting different scents. The task is to compare these scents with the original, encouraging olfactory discrimination and working memory.

According to Professor Takamichi Nakamoto, VR offers a controlled environment for sensory simulation that can be tailored for therapeutic purposes. The integration of goal-oriented tasks with real-time feedback enhances cognitive engagement, potentially supporting cognitive rehabilitation and reducing dementia risk.

The study demonstrated significant cognitive improvements among 30 older adults aged 63 to 90. After just 20 minutes of gameplay, participants showed marked progress in visuospatial skills and memory recall. For example, their scores on the Hiragana Rotation Task increased from an average of 19–82 to 29–85, and their performance on a spatial word memory task improved from 0–15 to 3–15, validated through statistical analysis.

Future advancements aim to develop more affordable olfactory delivery systems, making this innovative therapy more accessible. Olfactory VR holds promise as a stimulating, engaging tool for mental health support among aging populations, offering new hope for cognitive health preservation.

For more details, see the full study: Ryota Sunami et al., "Exploring the effects of olfactory VR on visuospatial memory and cognitive processing in older adults," Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-94693-9. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-virtual-reality-game-cognitive-decline.html