It seems like I can smell my memories. Like I'm there. What is that phenomenon called?
2006-06-08 03:28:29 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Olfactory memory.
Smells are the strongest sense associated with memory, in part because the nerves in your nose are the only ones to regenerate on a regualr basis.
That's why olfactory hallucinations are normal. Why sometimes you think you can smell pizza or musty books even though they aren't there. They become potent memories.
2006-06-08 03:32:44 · answer #1 · answered by spacejohn77 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's just kind of that you associate your memories with smell. Like for some people, if they have memories about going to a certain place with someone, and they sat at certain tables. They might see tables like those somewhere else that will remind them of that. Maybe you don't visually remember things as well as you do by smell. I'm sort of the same way. And actually I prefer it. The memories I remember by smell are the beautiful ones, so I enjoy it.
2006-06-08 10:33:10 · answer #2 · answered by goshimwaycool 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When your olfactory receptors are stimulated, they transmit impulses to your brain. This pathway is directly connected to your limbic system, the part of your brain that deals with emotions. That's why your reactions to smell are rarely neutral - you usually either like or dislike a smell. Smells also leave long-lasting impressions and are strongly linked to your memories. The scent of mown grass, for example, might remind you of a childhood summer holiday, and the smell of chocolate chip cookies may make you think of your grandmother. Olfactory memory.
2006-06-08 10:33:42 · answer #3 · answered by norskfimbulvetr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure, but when I smell a certain smell, I remember the man I loved dearly, and hope when I turn around he's there, but he never is.
2006-06-08 10:30:33 · answer #4 · answered by Stacy R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sometimes have smell/odor deju vu. Certain scents bring back memories or remind me of something or someone. I didn't know there was a special name for it!
2006-06-08 10:32:52 · answer #5 · answered by themainsail 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's the invert process... When you smell something that i slinked to memories, then you start thinking to those memories.
2006-06-08 10:31:57 · answer #6 · answered by nahkaip 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must have some smelley memories
2006-06-08 10:29:59 · answer #7 · answered by chaselake220 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont realy know but i call it a flashback
2006-06-08 10:32:51 · answer #8 · answered by karrottu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋