Correlation between frequency of using essential oils in everyday life and cognitive function

• Published in: Japan Journal of Aromatherapy Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 12 - 18
• Main Authors: MIZUKAMI, Katsuyoshi, KUMAGAI, Chizu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Aroma Environment Association of Japan 31.03.2024
• Subjects: aromatherapy; brain age; cognitive function; essential oils
• ISSN: 1346-3748; 2189-5147
• DOI: 10.15035/aeaj.250102

This study examined the correlation between the frequency of using essential oils in everyday life and cognitive function. For this purpose, a questionnaire on such frequency and health conditions was administered to 602 individuals in the essential oils group (mean age: 48.0±9.9 years) and 559 in the no essential oils group (mean age: 50.9±14.8 years). To determine cognitive function, the NouKNOW® test (Eisai Co., Ltd.) was also administered. The frequency of using essential oils, mental age, and the correlation between motivation and activeness were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple comparisons, and multiple regression analysis for each age group. In this case, such frequency was a significant independent variable in the multiple regression analysis with mental age in the 60s as the dependent variable (β=-0.169, p=0.046. Based on these findings, participants in their 60s significantly differed in terms of mental age and frequency of using essential oils (i.e., high-frequency, low-frequency, and none)(F=1.851, p=0.048). Moreover, the high-frequency group was significantly younger in mental age than the no essential oils group (p=0.006). A significant difference in motivation and activeness was also found between the three groups (F=5.022, p=0.008). For instance, the high-frequency group was significantly more motivated and active than the no essential oils group (p=0.005). The results indicate that the use of daily essential oils can positively impact cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly individuals.