266 How Smell Impacts Memory: The Science of Olfactory Training with Jonathan Askholm

What if one of the most powerful tools for protecting your brain health has been right under your nose all along? In this fascinating episode, Jonathan Askholm explores the science of olfaction and its direct connection to memory, emotion, and cognitive function. Drawing on emerging research and personal experience, he explains how intentional smell training may improve memory, mood, and even support healthy aging. This conversation opens a new and highly accessible pathway to brain health, reinforcing that a simple daily practice can have profound effects on how we age. Jonathan Askholm is a brain health educator and co-founder of Memorease, a company focused on olfactory training for cognitive wellness. He has a background in psychology and a passion for teaching practical strategies that support mental and emotional well-being. His work is deeply influenced by his personal experience of losing his father to dementia, which inspired his mission to help others take proactive steps toward brain health. Jonathan collaborates with experts in scent creation to develop structured olfactory training tools grounded in scientific research. He regularly delivers workshops and presentations to older adults and community groups across Canada. His current focus is on making this brain health practice, simple, accessible, and empowering for everyday use.   Episode Timeline  00:00 – Welcome and introduction  02:30 – The surprising link between smell, memory, and brain health  04:00 – Jonathan's personal journey and his father's experience with dementia  07:00 – Why the sense of smell is often overlooked in modern health conversations  10:00 – The neuroscience of olfaction: direct pathways to memory and emotion  14:30 – Smell as a survival sense and its decline with age  18:00 – What is olfactory training and how it works  21:30 – The four scent categories used in research and training  24:00 – Evidence from studies: cognition, mood, and brain structure changes  27:00 – Practical applications and how to begin smell training at home  29:30 – The role of mindfulness and attention in olfactory training  32:00 – Olfactory training for anosmia and post-viral smell loss  34:00 – COVID-related smell loss and implications for brain health  36:00 – Who benefits most from olfactory training  37:00 – Wrap-up and key takeaway  Connect with Jonathan Askholm Website: https://memorease.care  Olfactory training kits and resources available through the website Workshops and presentations available through direct contact  Call to Action  Order Growing Older Living Younger: The Science of Aging Gracefully and the Art of Retiring Comfortably at www.gillianlockitch.com (North America)  Subscribe to Growing Older Living Younger on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show. Join the Growing Older Living Younger Community  Connect with Dr. Gillian Lockitch  at https://www.askdrgill.com/ or email: [email protected]  Download Guide to Nature's Colorful Antioxidants. 2026