Contrasting Cardiac and Old Brain Responses to Aldehydes and Phenols

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective is to determine whether the mental connation of smells correlates with the heart's response to the scents of aldehydes (primarily fruit and flower based) and phenols (primarily leave, bark, or root based). Methods/Materials Create 25 surveys, for an equal amount of test subjects, ranging in age from 14-83. Choose 7 common scents ensuring that each subject would be familiar with them. Use coffee to serve as a scent neutralizer. Apply scents to wood pieces to keep the subject oblivious to the smell until inhalation. Use a stopwatch to control length of inhalation. Measure the collective blood pressure and pulse of the subjects with a Sphygmomanometer. Results Collectively, emotional and mental response was more positive to the aldehydes (vanilla, orange blossom, and rose). The aldehydes were more reminiscent of perfumes and the home (e.g. breakfast, candles, etc.) Most aldehydes kept levels blood pressure and pulse rates constant. The phenol scents (eucalyptus, cinnamon, peppermint, and pine) were usually perceived as cleaners, medicines, or unknowns, ultimately creating a stressing or putrid image. The stronger phenol smells actually served to lower blood pressure. The addition of genetic hypertension and hypoglycemia subjects showed even greater extremes in the lowering of blood pressure. Conclusions/Discussion My conclusion is although people may be conditioned to distaste certain smells, the body has reactions dissimilar than what one feels that they can ultimately control. Mesopotamians used of incense and fragrance to create feelings of security and mask the undesirable in life. The impact of scents has been able to manipulate emperors (Antony and Caesar) and promote general health benefits for all social groupings. The further understanding of human anatomy has led to using smells to promote consumerism, increase job productivity, and increase metabolic desires. Continued awareness has encouraged medical research to look into the benefits aromatherapy. Current studies including increasing memory in Alzheimer#s patients; lowering hypertension levels; and using smells to aid the blind.

Competition history

• CSEF 2002 Behavioral Sciences · Entry S0319

Resources

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