Paper Title
Exploring The Olfactory Brain Mapping of Functional Networks in The Normal Progression of Aging Using EEG
Abstract
The olfactory system includes a large number of cortical components that contribute to normal odor perception
and memory. Cerebral activation profiles during olfaction have been fairly well explored in healthy subjects, but little
attention has been given to olfactory brain mapping in aging processes. To explore whether olfactory loss leads to deficits of
olfactory profile by electroencephalogram (EEG) were used to investigate neural responses in healthy subjects. Participants
smelled both pleasant (perfume, LANCOME TRESOR) and unpleasant (alcohol) odors. In the preliminary study, we report
the results of using EEG to explore and map the cortical areas involved in sensing odorous molecules. Importantly, the
intensity of the EEG signal elicited by olfactory chemosensory stimulation of cortical regions decreased following aging in
healthy subjects. Moreover, we found that olfactory loss in normal subjects is correlated with several cerebral regions under
aging. The fact that individuals with olfactory loss exhibited several signs of brain degeneration is in agreement with the
postulation that olfactory loss could be a preclinical marker of aging. The purpose of the study will be to investigate the
cerebral correlates of impairments in odor identification in a sample of healthy subjects following aging and to correlate the
olfactory brain mapping of functional networks in the normal progression of aging by EEG. Here, we will focus on normal,
nonpathological aging in humans and how it may affect the main olfactory system. In this study, we will also explore the
possibility that olfactory dysfunctions in older persons could be associated not only with brain olfactory regions, but also
with other brain regions which are sensitive to the aging processes.
Index Terms: Olfactory brain mapping, Functional networks, Aging, EEG