The neurologist spoke about the effect of odors on mood and performance.

Odors play a much more important role in human life than it might seem at first glance. They affect mood, concentration, memory, and even performance, Galina Chudinskaya, a neurologist at Medicine JSC (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia. Anosmia Awareness Day is celebrated on February 27.

According to the expert, odors have different effects. For example, the smells of lemon, rosemary, mint, basil, sage and eucalyptus can increase concentration and activate mental activity. While aromas such as thyme, lavender and lemon balm, on the contrary, promote relaxation, helping to reduce stress and improve mood.

"An interesting study at the Southern Federal University conducted in 2017 showed that the smell of orange essential oil can significantly improve short-term visual memory. The scent of orange activates certain structures of the brain, which contributes to better memorization of information. True, this treatment method does not help with diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, but it may well be useful as an additional incentive for memory training," said Chudinskaya.

The doctor also drew attention to the fact that the use of various fragrances in commercial and public spaces, such as in shops, cafes, hotels or banks, has become a common practice. This helps to create a pleasant atmosphere and improve the perception of products.

"In classrooms for schoolchildren and students, the use of stimulating scents such as citrus or mint can enhance learning, and in recreation areas or secluded areas, it would be good to use relaxing scents to create a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere," the neurologist added.

At the same time, she noted that the loss of the sense of smell — anosmia — can lead not only to physical discomfort, but also become significant stress, because in this case, a person loses an important part of the perception of the surrounding world.

If a person does not smell for more than two months, then recovery may require medication.

"Experts note that if the loss of sense of smell lasts as long as during the pandemic, when the COVID-19 virus became one of the causes of mass anosmia, recovery is possible. Modern technologies and rehabilitation programs developed for coronavirus patients can help restore the ability to perceive smells and tastes. It is important to remember that there is a chance of recovery, and you should not worry if this process is delayed," Chudinskaya stressed.

Earlier, on January 21, Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, a neurologist, candidate of medical Sciences, expert at the Hemotest Laboratory, told Izvestia that the artificial sweetener aspartame provokes an increase in cortisol levels, a stress hormone. This leads to the fact that a person becomes irritable and anxious.