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Oral sensory changes in aging

Article Abstract:

Many factors may contribute to the loss of oral sensory capacities in the elderly, including memory distortions and changes in emotional and social contexts, as well as actual sensory deficits. The loss of oral sensitivity has been attributed to both a decline in the ability to taste and to a lack of response to nontaste stimuli. This study has examined the reactions of a group of 46 men and 41 women between the ages of 25 and 93 years with regard to five different types of oral stimuli. The effects of the stimuli types were measured according to response size, range of response, judgment quality, and rate of increased reaction with stimulus strength. The five types of oral stimuli used were sugar water, salt water, heated or chilled water, local pressure on the dorsal tongue, and thickened water to measure response to viscosity. Most of the oral sensitivities that were tested proved to be age-stable. The only factor that declined with age was lingual (tongue) pressure; the reliability and the magnitude of intensity judgments associated with this stimulus were also diminished in the elderly. The apparent decline in the sensory experience as a result of the other types of oral stimuli may be caused by a deterioration of cognitive function. Perception of intensity of various oral stimuli types varied with age, but were detected with similar accuracy by all age groups. The accuracy of intensity judgments was retained for all of the oral sensitivities tested except the perception of localized lingual pressure. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Aged, Elderly, Testing, Food, Taste, Taste (Sense), Sensory evaluation, Senses and sensation, Senses

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An assessment of salivary function in healthy premenopausal and postmenopausal females

Article Abstract:

Menopause, the cessation of the menstrual cycle due to age, is characterized by numerous hormonal, physical, and sometimes psychological changes. Decreases in estrogen affect tissues in the genitourinary tract and breasts. There is some evidence that these changes also affect the tissues and salivary glands in the mouth. Many women complain of a burning or dry mouth when going through menopause. Some studies have found decreased saliva production in menopausal women while others have not. This study examined symptoms involving the mouth and measurements of salivary gland function in healthy women before, during, and after menopause, and with or without hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause. Forty-three women were examined, 22 premenopausal and 21 postmenopausal; of the latter group, 11 were on HRT. Results showed that salivary flow rates were not significantly different between pre- and postmenopausal women or between the two groups of postmenopausal women. Responses to a questionnaire on dry mouth and other oral symptoms also showed no group differences. The results indicate that physical changes that occur during menopause do not include decreased functioning of the salivary glands or other oral tissue changes. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Aging, Complications and side effects, Medical examination, Saliva, Menopause

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Age, gender, medical treatment, and medication effects on smell identification

Article Abstract:

The influence of age, gender, medical treatment, and medications on olfactory function were assessed on 221 healthy males and 166 healthy females from 19 to 95 years of age using the Univesity ofPennsylvania Smell Identification Test. Test results revealed that the older subjects had lower scores compared with younger subjects while females scored higher than males. Individuals receiving medical attention and taking presciption drugs had comparably lower scores.

Usage, Smell, Old age, Olfactometry

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