Impaired sensory functioning in elders: the relation with its potential determinants and nutritional intake

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sensory Science
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Impaired taste and smell perception are common in elderly populations.
• These sensory deficits may influence nutritional intake and overall health status.
• Understanding determinants of sensory decline is crucial for geriatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the relationship between impaired taste and smell perception and potential determinants in the elderly.
• To investigate the association of sensory perception with nutritional intake and status in older adults.
• To identify key factors influencing taste and smell function in different elderly groups.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study comparing independently living (n=89) and institutionalized (n=67) elders.
• Assessed sensory perception using smell identification and taste perception tests.
• Evaluated nutritional intake via appetite/hunger and food frequency questionnaires, and measured Body Mass Index (BMI).

Main Results:

• Institutionalized elders showed significantly poorer smell (3.5 vs 5.7) and taste (3.0 vs 3.3) perception scores compared to independently living elders.
• Smell test scores correlated with appetite and hunger questionnaire outcomes (r=0.19 to 0.50).
• Age and functional category were the primary determinants of sensory test scores; no clear correlation was found with energy intake or BMI.

Conclusions:

• Impaired sensory functioning in the elderly is associated with reduced appetite but not necessarily with low energy intake or BMI.
• Age-related factors and functional status are significant determinants of impaired taste and smell.
• Smoking behavior is also identified as an important determinant of diminished sensory function.