Exploring the Role of Digital Fragrance in Enhancing Cognitive Function Among the Elderly Through VR Gaming

In a remarkable advancement in interdisciplinary research, Professor Takashi Kobayashi from Bunkyo Gakuin University has been involved in collaborative research that has recently gained recognition in the esteemed international scientific journal, Scientific Reports, published by the Nature Publishing Group. This innovative study has also received funding from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) as part of their Future Society Creation Project. The research focuses on the novel and advanced area of "recreating and digitizing scents," which is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing cognitive functions, particularly in the elderly.

The Significance of Cognitive Function in the Elderly

As individuals age, their cognitive and memory functions tend to decline. Maintaining and improving these functions, however, are crucial challenges that need to be addressed, especially from the perspective of preventing dementia. Previous studies have indicated that olfactory stimuli can effectively improve cognitive functions. Traditionally, methods to stimulate these senses involved directly smelling scent samples. However, a new interactive approach is emerging: a virtual reality (VR) game that allows users to experience various scents that can change in intensity and type, coordinated with visuals in the gaming environment.

This groundbreaking study employs an interdisciplinary approach that merges the fields of engineering, psychology, and the arts. Working alongside distinguished researchers such as Professor Takamichi Nakamoto from the Tokyo Science University, Professor Kobayashi has thoroughly investigated how experiencing the "Kaori VR Game" influences cognitive abilities among elderly participants.

Key Findings from the Research

The research specifically tested 30 elderly participants, ages ranging from 63 to 90 years, with cognitive tasks related to scent identification and memory carried out within a VR space. Results revealed significant improvements in scores related to tasks that assess visuospatial cognitive abilities, such as Hiragana rotation challenges and word spatial memory tasks. This shift marks a substantial step away from traditional direct olfactory presentations, showcasing an innovative method that combines immersion with efficacy.

The digital fragrance technology has been acclaimed as a viable and advantageous alternative, leading to its selection as a new principal research project by JST for the 2025 fiscal year through the Future Society Creation initiative. The findings were officially published in Scientific Reports on March 28, 2025, further emphasizing the importance of this research in the context of cognitive improvement.

Professor Takashi Kobayashi’s Profile

Specializations

- Physiological Psychology
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience

Research Topics

Professor Kobayashi researches various topics in physiological psychology, perceptual psychology, cognitive psychology, and emotional psychology, especially focusing on topics such as olfactory habituation, the relationship between smell and preconceptions, autobiographical memory linked to scents, and issues concerning olfactory harassment (スメハラ).

Academic Affiliations

He is affiliated with multiple academic organizations, including the Japanese Cognitive Psychology Association, the Japan Society of Physiological Psychology, and the Japanese Society of Emotion Psychology.

Overview of the Collaborative Research

Research Project Title

Establishing Digital Fragrance Technology Based on Scent Recreation

Collaborators

- Professor Takamichi Nakamoto, Tokyo Science University
- Ryota Kaku, Information and Communications Faculty, Tokyo Science University
- Nathan Cohen, University of the Arts London
- Kousuke Yamamoto, Associate Professor, Hosei University

Research Duration

Fiscal years 2025 to 2029 (5 years)

This collaborative effort is poised to break new ground in understanding the therapeutic effects of scent and VR technologies, with a vision of creating more immersive and beneficial experiences for cognitive enhancement in elderly populations.