About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of the sense of smell in relation to brain health, mood, and aging, featuring insights from Jonathan Askholm on olfactory training and its benefits.

What if one of the most overlooked indicators of brain health is something we rarely think about—our sense of smell? In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Jonathan Askholm about the emerging science of olfactory health. We spotlight its surprising connection to cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being. While vision and hearing loss receive widespread attention, smell loss often goes unnoticed—even as it may signal deeper neurological changes. Jonathan shares insights from recent research showing how olfactory training—simple, daily exposure to specific scents—has surprising benefits. It may help strengthen neural pathways, support memory, and even reduce depressive symptoms. The conversation explores why smell declines with age. Also discussed is how it affects quality of life, and why this “forgotten sense” deserves a more prominent role in healthy aging strategies. Listeners will come away with a new appreciation for the role of smell in brain health. And listeners gain practical ideas for incorporating olfactory awareness into daily life. 🔑Key Topics Covered Why smell loss is often overlooked compared to hearing and vision The connection…

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