Cognition and memory enhancement via multiple odorant stimulation

• US 10,639,448 B2
• Filed: 04/12/2019
• Issued: 05/05/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2018
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Original Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Inventors: Leon, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Wilson, Kaylee R
• Application Number:
  US16/383,186
• Publication Number:
  US 20190314601A1
• Time in Patent Office: 389 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4812 Detecting sleep stages or cycles
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2021/0016 by the smell sense
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 21/00 Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 21/02 for inducing sleep or relaxation, e.g. by direct nerve stimulation, hypnosis, analgesia for massage A61H; electrotherapy A61N, e.g. applying alternating or intermittent electric currents for producing anaesthesia A61N1/36021
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/07 having air pumping means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3569 sublocal, e.g. between console and disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/005 Parameter used as control input for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/06 Heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/10 Electroencephalographic signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/30 Blood pressure A61M2230/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/42 Rate
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods, kits, and devices for improving cognitive function and memory through olfactory stimulation. In some embodiments, olfactory stimulation is performed by releasing one or more scents according to an olfactory stimulation regimen or schedule. The methods, kits and devices described herein can provide a large impact on cognition with minimal effort and cost. They can be used widely and effectively among older adults, children, and other populations in need of improved cognitive performance.

Claims

1. A method of improving far transfer effects of cognition of a human comprising:

establishing a 24-hour treatment schedule including a plurality of intervals separated by breaks;

inputting the 24-hour treatment schedule into a scent-delivery device such that the device delivers one of a plurality of scents during each interval, and stops the delivery of the scent at the end of the interval;

ensuring that scents delivered during consecutive intervals are sufficiently distinct from each other so as to be distinguished by said human;

ensuring that no scent is repeated more than once during the 24-hour treatment schedule; and

repeating the 24-hour treatment schedule each day for a predetermined treatment length while varying the scents delivered from said plurality of scents.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein establishing the 24-hour treatment schedule including the plurality of intervals separated by breaks comprises scheduling a plurality of 30 minute intervals separated by 5 minute breaks.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein establishing the 24-hour treatment schedule including the plurality of intervals separated by breaks comprises scheduling at least three intervals separated by breaks.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein inputting the 24-hour treatment schedule into a scent-delivery device comprises wirelessly connecting the device to a handheld electronic device having an application that allows the schedule to be uploaded to the scent-delivery device.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein inputting the 24-hour treatment schedule into a scent-delivery device comprises setting a start time.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein establishing a 24-hour treatment schedule comprises basing an initiation of the schedule on an activity signifying that a user is going to bed.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said activity comprises plugging a handheld device into the scent-delivery device.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said activity comprises a biometric sensor, wirelessly connected to the hand-held device, providing data that indicates the user has begun a sleep-cycle.

9. A method of improving far transfer effects of cognition of a human comprising:

providing a programmable scent-delivery device capable of delivering a plurality of distinct scents, one at a time, based on a 24-hr treatment schedule programmed into the device having intervals separated by breaks;

selecting scents to comprise said plurality of distinct scents that may be unfamiliar to the human;

activating the device in the presence of the human such that an initial exposure to said selected scents occur while the human is sleeping;

ensuring that scents delivered during consecutive intervals are sufficiently distinct from each other so as to be distinguished, consciously or unconsciously, by said human; and

repeating the activation step and the ensuring step on subsequent days for a predetermined treatment length using the same or different scents.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising ensuring that no scent is repeated more than once during the 24-hour treatment schedule.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein an order said scents are delivered from said plurality of scents is otherwise random so long as said ensuring step is satisfied.