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Correlations between Gustatory, Olfactory, Cognitive Function, and Age in Healthy Women
Fabrizio Sanna1, M Paola Castelli1, Rafaela Mostallino1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy.
Nutrients
|June 19, 2024
Summary
Aging women experience declines in smell, taste, and cognitive functions. Early chemosensory assessments can predict cognitive decline, aiding in personalized prevention strategies for aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Aging is linked to physiological degeneration, including sensory and cognitive decline.
- Understanding age-related changes in chemosensory and cognitive functions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate age-related changes in gustatory, olfactory, and cognitive functions in women.
- To investigate the associations between chemosensory and cognitive decline in aging women.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 319 women aged 18-92 years.
- Divided participants into four age groups: 18-34, 35-49, 50-64, and ≥65 years.
- Assessed gustatory, olfactory, and general cognitive abilities.
Main Results:
- Confirmed age-related declines in gustatory, olfactory, and cognitive functions in women.
- Olfactory and cognitive functions declined gradually until age 65, then sharply decreased.
- Gustatory function showed a more gradual decline.
- Chemosensory deficits predicted general cognitive function and specific domains like memory and attention.
Conclusions:
- Chemosensory function decline is a significant indicator of cognitive decline in aging women.
- Chemosensory assessments can aid in the early diagnosis of cognitive impairment.
- Personalized risk prevention strategies should consider chemosensory function.
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