Taste-related sensations in old age
T Ogawa1, M J Annear2, K Ikebe1
1Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Oral Rehabilitation, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|March 3, 2017
Summary
Taste sensitivity often declines in older adults, impacting food enjoyment and health. This review consolidates evidence on taste decline causes and correlates in seniors, highlighting research gaps for future study.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sensory Science
- Public Health
Background:
- The sense of taste is crucial for food assessment, enjoyment, and overall quality of life.
- Older adults exhibit a higher prevalence of taste disorders, suggesting age-related taste decline.
- Understanding factors influencing taste sensitivity in seniors is vital for maintaining their health and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and consolidate existing evidence on the causes and correlates of taste decline in older adults.
- To identify gaps and limitations in current research on gustatory sense in the geriatric population.
- To inform future research directions for maintaining taste function in aging individuals.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review methodology was employed to analyze literature from the past 20 years.
- Searches included terms like 'taste', 'gustatory sense', 'older adults', and 'geriatric'.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies with participants over 60, in English, and published after 1995.
Main Results:
- Evidence was consolidated regarding influences on taste sensations in international cohorts of older adults.
- Influences were categorized into physiological changes in sensory organs, and individual physiological and behavioral variables.
- Three main research areas were identified: sensory organ changes, aging-related factors, and behavioral variables.
Conclusions:
- Current literature has limitations, including a lack of consideration for confounding, mediating, and moderating effects.
- Future research should focus on measuring the impact of taste changes on quality of health and life.
- Maintaining taste sensation and sensitivity in older adults is essential for ensuring their quality of life as the global population ages.
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