Description: <b>Aromatherapy</b>—the use of essential oils from plants for therapeutic purposes—has shown potential in supporting patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), primarily by improving behavioral symptoms, cognition, and quality of life<br>
-Some essential oils (like rosemary and sage) inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), boosting acetylcholine levels similar to AD drugs.<br>
-Many essential oils reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both implicated in AD pathology.<br>
-Aromatherapy may affect GABAergic and serotonergic pathways, calming agitation and improving mood.<br>
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Key Oils: <br>
Lavender - Reduces agitation, improves sleep and anxiety(appears most common used)<br>
Lemon Balm (Melissa) - Calms agitation, enhances cognition<br>
Rosemary - Memory enhancement, alertness<br>
Sage - Cholinesterase inhibitor<br>
Peppermint - Improves alertness and memory<br>
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Administration:<br>
Inhalation (diffusers, cotton balls)<br>
Topical application (massage oils; often diluted in carrier oils)<br>
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<h3>Aromatherapy — Alzheimer’s Disease / Cognitive-Relevant Axes</h3>
<table>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>Pathway / Axis</th>
<th>Cells (neurons/glia)</th>
<th>TSF</th>
<th>Primary Effect</th>
<th>Notes / Interpretation</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Olfactory–limbic signaling</td>
<td>↑ modulation</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>Behavioral stabilization</td>
<td>Rapid effect on agitation, anxiety, sleep in AD; mediated via amygdala/hippocampus pathways.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Cholinergic modulation (compound-dependent)</td>
<td>↑ (mild)</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>AChE inhibition (weak)</td>
<td>Rosemary, sage oils reported mild acetylcholinesterase inhibition; magnitude modest.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Neuroinflammation</td>
<td>↓ (model-dependent)</td>
<td>R→G</td>
<td>Microglial modulation</td>
<td>Preclinical evidence; human biomarker data limited.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Sleep / circadian stabilization</td>
<td>↑</td>
<td>P→R</td>
<td>Improved sleep quality</td>
<td>Lavender commonly used; symptomatic benefit may indirectly support cognition.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Clinical Translation Constraint</td>
<td>—</td>
<td>—</td>
<td>Symptomatic therapy</td>
<td>Evidence supports agitation/anxiety reduction; no strong RCT evidence for slowing AD progression.</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p><b>TSF Legend:</b> P: 0–30 min | R: 30 min–3 hr | G: >3 hr</p>