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Sensorial differences according to sex and ages
L A da Silva1, S M Lin, M J Teixeira
1Neurology Department, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Oral Diseases
|June 26, 2013
Summary
Older adults experience diminished orofacial sensory detection, with women generally showing more acute perception than men. This study highlights age and sex as key factors influencing sensory function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Sensory Physiology
Background:
- Orofacial sensory perception is crucial for functions like eating and communication.
- Age and sex are known demographic factors that can influence physiological processes, including sensory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related and sex-based differences in orofacial sensory detection thresholds.
- To evaluate gustatory, olfactory, thermal, mechanical, and pain detection in diverse age and sex groups.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative sensory testing was performed on 126 healthy subjects across five age groups.
- Evaluated detection thresholds for taste, smell, temperature, touch, vibration, electric stimuli, and pain.
- Included assessment of the corneal reflex and statistical analysis using ANOVA and non-parametric tests.
Main Results:
- Individuals over 61 years exhibited higher olfactory, gustatory, thermal, and tactile detection thresholds.
- Elevated vibration detection thresholds were noted in those over 75 years.
- Women consistently demonstrated lower gustatory, olfactory, thermal, and pain detection thresholds compared to men.
Conclusions:
- Orofacial sensory detection thresholds increase significantly with age, particularly after the sixth decade.
- Women exhibit enhanced sensory perception across multiple modalities compared to men.
- Findings underscore the impact of aging and sex on orofacial sensory function.
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