GRADIENT-MCI: Smell, Stress and the Brain – Searching for Early Signs of Cognitive Decline

GRADIENT-MCI is a multidisciplinary research project investigating potential early markers of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition characterized by an initial decline in cognitive function that may precede more advanced stages of cognitive deterioration.

The project integrates different levels of assessment, including neuropsychological testing, olfactory evaluation using Sniffin’ Sticks, salivary cortisol measurement, brain magnetic resonance imaging with assessment of entorhinal cortex atrophy through the ERICA score, and electroencephalography (EEG) during olfactory stimulation.

Preliminary findings suggest interesting relationships between anxiety, stress-axis activity, olfactory dysfunction, and vulnerability of brain structures involved in memory. EEG responses to olfactory stimulation also show different patterns compared with trigeminal stimulation.

Through posters, images, simple demonstrations, and interactive activities, visitors will be able to discover how the brain processes smells, how stress may influence brain function, and why the sense of smell may represent a valuable window into the aging brain.

The aim is to show how the integration of neuroscience, psychology, neuroimaging, and non-invasive biomarkers may contribute to the ear