Cognitive & Olfactory Assessment

by Jason Eastty

on May 26, 2025

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Paul Currier

Schedule Your Cognitive and Olfactory Assessment Today.

Cognitive and Olfactory Assessment

How well is your brain aging? Our combined Cognitive and Olfactory Test provides a powerful early look at neurological health. It’s not just about memory—it’s about insight into brain resilience, sensory integrity, and longevity. Detect early signs of decline before symptoms become noticeable and take action to protect your most vital organ.

What Is the Cognitive and Olfactory Assessment?

This test assesses two critical areas of brain function: cognitive performance and sense of smell. We use the gold-standard Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for cognitive screening and a validated 12-item Sniffin’ Sticks set to evaluate olfactory ability. These tools are clinically proven to detect subtle signs of cognitive decline and can serve as early indicators of neurodegenerative disease risk.

You’ll complete a brief yet thorough cognitive assessment measuring memory, attention, language, visuospatial skills, and executive function. Then, your sense of smell is tested using odor identification tasks, offering insight into both brain health and sensory function—two areas that often decline together.

Why Early Cognitive and Olfactory Testing Matters

Many forms of dementia and cognitive decline develop silently over years. One of the earliest warning signs? A reduced sense of smell. Studies show olfactory dysfunction can precede Alzheimer’s diagnosis by up to a decade. Likewise, cognitive scores that hover just below optimal—even in people who feel “normal”—can signal vulnerability.

By testing both cognition and smell, you get a comprehensive snapshot of your brain health. These results empower you to make changes when interventions are most effective—long before daily function is affected.

Scientific Support

  • Olfactory loss has been shown to predict transition to dementia with high sensitivity (Devanand et al., 2015, Annals of Neurology)

  • MoCA has higher sensitivity than the Mini-Mental State Exam for detecting mild cognitive impairment (Nasreddine et al., 2005, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

  • Olfactory testing improves diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
    Study Link

What Can the Cognitive and Olfactory Test Tell You?

  • A MoCA score out of 30 (with 26+ considered normal) and interpretation

  • An olfactory score based on correct identification of 12 distinct scents

  • Early detection of mild cognitive impairment or at-risk patterns

  • Baseline tracking for longitudinal cognitive and sensory changes

  • Insight into modifiable risk factors such as nutrition, sleep, or inflammation

  • An opportunity to implement brain-supportive interventions proactively

Who Should Consider This Test?

This test is valuable for anyone concerned with long-term brain health, including:

  • Adults over age 40 monitoring cognitive aging proactively

  • Individuals with a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s

  • People recovering from head injury, long COVID, or chronic inflammation

  • High-performers seeking cognitive optimization

  • Anyone noticing subtle changes in memory or smell

How the Test Works

The cognitive portion is a structured 10 to 15 minute questionnaire administered by a trained practitioner. It covers attention, short-term memory recall, language, abstraction, and orientation.

The olfactory test uses Sniffin’ Sticks pen-like odor dispensers. You’ll be asked to identify 12 different scents using multiple-choice format. The entire testing process takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is non-invasive, safe, and engaging.

How to Prepare for Your Test

To ensure accurate results:

  • Avoid eating, drinking (except water), or using scented products at least 1 hour prior

  • Do not wear perfume or cologne on the day of the test

  • Get a good night’s sleep beforehand

  • Refrain from consuming alcohol or recreational substances 24 hours prior

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the test safe?
Yes. It’s entirely non-invasive, with no risks or side effects.

How often should I take it?
We recommend testing annually, or more frequently if you’ve had recent changes in memory, smell, or risk factors like long COVID.

Can smell loss really predict dementia?
Yes. Olfactory dysfunction is a well-documented early marker for neurodegenerative diseases. Multiple longitudinal studies confirm its predictive power.

Will I get actionable insights?
Absolutely. We provide tailored lifestyle and longevity recommendations based on your results—often focusing on sleep, nutrition, and inflammation reduction.

Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can book this test directly with us.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Brain?

Don’t wait for symptoms to show up. Invest in clarity, longevity, and prevention with our Cognitive and Olfactory Test.

Schedule Your Cognitive and Olfactory Assessment Today.

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