Neuro-olfactory dynamics: electroencephalographic insights into dysfunction

Abstract Introduction: Olfaction is linked to cognition. Understanding brain activity during olfactory dysfunction (OD) could improve knowledge about olfaction itself and associated treatments like olfactory training (OT). Objectives: To study how OD affects brain activity in response to scents Methods: In order to produce a prospective study, a sample of OD and healthy controls was recruited. Participants inhaled scents used in OT and Electroencephalography (EEG) was measured. Results: Brain activation differed between groups for 3 of the 4 scents. Rose: lower Alpha 1 activation in OD (p=0.021); Eucalyptus: lower Beta 1 activation (p = 0.037); Clove: lower Gamma 1, Beta 2 and Alpha 2 activation in OD (p <0.05); Higher Delta activity in OD (p = 0.019). No differences found for lemon inhalation. Conclusions: This study explored brain activity during odor perception in OD. Tailoring OT based on scent and individual brain response shows promise. Further research is needed to explore this connection.