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Influence of gustatory and olfactory functions on appetite and nutritional status in older persons
Eri Arikawa1, Nobuko Kaneko2,3, Kanji Nohara1
1Department of Oral-facial Disorders, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry.
Abstract:
This study investigated olfactory/taste functions in older persons requiring nursing care to clarify whether these functions are associated with appetite or nutritional status. Seventy-two older persons requiring nursing care and 37 unassisted persons were surveyed for olfactory function, taste function, appetite, and nutritional status. Age-adjusted covariance analysis was conducted between the two groups. Both groups showed reduced olfactory and taste functions; these functions were more markedly reduced in participants requiring nursing care compared to those who did not. Both groups had similar appetite and nutritional status findings, suggesting that these factors are not associated with olfactory and taste functions.
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