If you’ve felt your sense of smell is slipping as you age, know someone struggling with dementia or Parkinson’s, or just want to boost your brain health with a simple daily practice, this episode is for you. Welcome to Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale! In this episode, I sit down with my special guest, Jonathan Askholm, to explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of olfactory training—the art and science of strengthening your sense of smell. Together, we dive into how our nose isn’t just about pleasant aromas or powerful memories; it’s deeply connected to brain health, cognition, mood, and our overall well-being. Jonathan Askholm shares his personal journey—from corporate wellness into a passionate advocate for olfactory training—sparked by his own family’s experience and compelling scientific studies. Through our conversation, I discovered some surprising truths, like how the olfactory system is the only sense capable of regenerating neurons throughout life, and why smell training is now being recommended to improve memory, mood, and even help those recovering from illnesses like COVID-19. If you’ve felt your sense of smell is slipping as you age, know someone struggling with dementia or Parkinson’s, or just want to boost your brain health with a simple daily practice, this episode is for you. Let's learn why smell just might be our most underrated sense—and how it could become your secret weapon for healthy aging. Read more about it! https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9891899/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/olfactory-training-during-sleep-could-help-your-memory/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-my-brain-works/202410/can-smell-training-improve-memory 3 Key Takeaways: You can actually “train” your sense of smell. Regular, intentional exposure to specific scents can help sharpen your sense of smell and even regrow some neural pathways.Olfactory training boosts more than just your nose. Studies show it can improve memory, mood, and overall cognitive function, especially in older adults.It’s simple and affordable. All you need are concentrated scents like lemon, clove, rose, and eucalyptus—just a few minutes, twice a day, can make a difference. Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com Copyright 2026 Lisa Stockdale Mentioned in this episode: Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.
