Senses in Motion - Aromatherapy

by Cydney Trim and Marcia Postrygacz - SUNY Downstate OT Students

Each year, New York Memory Center partners with university students to bring innovative, therapeutic programming to the members. As SUNY Downstate Occupational Therapy students, we were grateful for the opportunity to develop “Senses in Motion,” a program combining physical activity with engagement of the five senses. One standout session focused on aromatherapy.

Smell is one of the most powerful ways we experience the world, closely tied to memory and emotion. Familiar scents can evoke meaningful moments, enhance well-being, and provide comfort, especially for individuals experiencing memory challenges. Because the brain processes smell alongside memory and emotion, scents can spark recognition, encourage conversation, and create a sense of calm and familiarity.

With this in mind, we introduced an aromatherapy activity designed to support creativity, comfort, and memory recall. We created personalized scent diffusers using simple materials such as cotton balls, essential oils, index cards, and art supplies. They selected from six oils—lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, tea tree, sweet orange, and eucalyptus—each offering unique calming, energizing, or refreshing properties. By decorating their cards and pairing them with a chosen scent, Center members created something both meaningful and uniquely their own.

Helpful benefits of each essential oil include:

• Lavender – calming properties, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation

• Lemongrass – fresh, uplifting scent that can energize and improve mood

• Peppermint – stimulating and refreshing, often associated with increased alertness

• Tea Tree – clean, crisp aroma that can evoke a sense of clarity

• Sweet Orange – brings warmth and positivity, often linked to feelings of happiness

• Eucalyptus – invigorating and can promote a sense of refreshment and ease

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone engaged enthusiastically, expressed pride in their creations, and enjoyed moments of relaxation and joy. Many appreciated taking their diffusers home as a lasting reminder of the experience and a source of comfort. For care partners, incorporating scent into daily routines can be a simple yet powerful way to support emotional well-being and memory engagement. Whether through structured activities or small everyday moments, aromatherapy can foster connection, comfort, and peace for everybody.

Thanks to our interns for this informative article & program idea. First published in the Memory Center's April 2026 newsletter.