International research on dementia prevention programs by applying olfactory digital games.

嗅覚感応デジタルゲームを応用した認知症予防プログラムの国際研究

Funded by: Kakenhi Fostering Joint International Research (B) Grant No.: 19KK0246

Project Researchers:

Yuriko SUGIHARA (*leader)
Yoko IWASAKI
Kengo YOKOMITSU
Kohsuke YAMAMOTO
Simon NIEDENTHAL
Jonas OLOFFSSON
Nathan COHEN
Reiko KUBOTA

Smelling Yasuaki Matsumoto artwork Box of Eurydice at the symposium — Smelling Yasuaki Matsumoto artwork *Box of Eurydice* at the symposium

From 2016, interdisciplinary research has been undertaken toward creating familiar environments that can stimulate positive emotional and memory responses among the elderly and all who experience this through a combination of art, design and smell. One of the characteristics of the artwork created for this in the first period of research (2016 – 2019) is that modelled on the notion of a box of samples with a digital component intended to stimulate memory associations (i.e. Box of Eurydice (Yasuaki Matsumoto, 2018), Scentscape (Nathan Cohen, Reiko Kubota, 2018).

Nathan Cohen and Reiko Kubota presenting Scentscape at the symposium — Nathan Cohen and Reiko Kubota presenting *Scentscape* at the symposium

The current Kakenhi funded research (2019 – 2024) incorporates the work of the Nosewise Lab in Sweden, Simon Niedenthal (Malmö University) and Jonas Oloffsson (Stockholm University), who have created Exerscent.

There are currently few ways to reliably and objectively assess olfaction outside of the research laboratory or clinic. Smell training is a promising method for olfactory rehabilitation at home, but further methodological advances might enhance its effectiveness and range of use. Exerscent is designed to be a portable, low-cost olfactory display primarily for use outside of the laboratory, that can be operated with a personal computer so offering flexibility and practicality.

Exerscent includes RFID (Radio Frequency identification System) tags that are attached to odor stimuli. These are read with an MFRC522 module RFID reader/antenna that encodes the odor in order to provide adaptive challenges for the user (e.g. an odor identification task). Hardware parts are commercially available or 3D printed. Exerscent may be primarily used for olfactory skills development (e.g. perfumery, enology), and rehabilitation purposes (e.g. post-viral olfactory loss), but it also allows for other forms of technological interactions such as olfactory-based recreational interactions.

Simon Niedenthal presenting Exerscent game at the symposium — Simon Niedenthal presenting *Exerscent* game at the symposium

From the perspective of this Japanese funded research project the potential for Exerscent to be useful for those with dementia is an important consideration. Therefore, the project team, including medical and nursing researchers specializing in dementia treatment and care, and cognitive psychologists specializing in "olfactory sensation," will collaborate with the Swedish researchers to this end. This will include development of protocols for observation and measuring of the device by those using it within particular conditions that allow for effective engagement and assessment

To start the project a one-day symposium was held at Central Saint Martins in London. This afforded the opportunity for the researchers involved in this project to meet, some for the first time, to discuss what had been created to date, and what the future aims and outcomes might be. Students studying on the MA Art and Science course whose research incorporates elements of olfaction also presented their work and engaged in the ensuing discussion. While not intended to set specific parameters for the research ahead it was most useful to learn about the different approaches and inventions so far, and to consider how these might support the work ahead.

2 of speakers presenting at the symposium: Nathan, Yoko, Yuriko; Yoko presenting — Nathan, Yoko, Yuriko

Ultimately, the aim is to research the systems and facilities required: olfactory game production; facilities for the elderly to cooperate in effect measurement with the psychology research team; effective measurement protocols and their application, leading to survey led assessment. The intention is to develop a "dementia prevention program that applies olfactory-sensitive digital device games" that can improve cognitive function in healthy elderly people, and elderly people with MCI and early-stage dementia.

Yamamoto K, Yokomitsu K, Kobayashi T (2022) Development of the function of autobiographical memories evoked by odor scale for older Japanese people.
Front. Psychol. 13:945002. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.945002

Yamamoto K, Sugiyama H (2023) Influences of age-related positivity effect on characteristics of odor-evoked autobiographical memories in older Japanese adults.
Front. Psychol. 13:1027519. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1027519