Taste assessment as a part of geriatric nutritional care: Potential implications for clinical practice

Abstract

Introduction

Aging is related to decrease in taste perception. As appetite is considered crucial for maintenance of proper nutritional status of older adults, its decrease during aging raises questions about its relation to gustatory functions and further prevention possibilities.

Aim of the study

The aim was to assess the characteristics and eating behaviors of the patients who reported a self-perceived reduction in taste perception in the context of appetite.

Material and methods

This semi-qualitative study was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022 in the Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics of the University Hospital in Krakow. Patients were assessed using an original appetite assessment scale, which allowed for an in-depth interview on areas related to the decline in gustatory function. Additionally, nutritional assessment was performed using Mini Nutritional Assessment and Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ) and anthropometric measurements.

Results

The most common characteristics of patients with gustatory dysfunction were early satiety, decreased appetite in the three months prior to the study and polypharmacy. A significant difference was observed in the CNAQ scores between the group of patients with and without gustatory dysfunction.

Conclusion

Careful identification of patients presenting with gustatory dysfunction can provide an important cue for an individualised approach aimed at preventing malnutrition. In our work, we suggest the areas that can be addressed during a nutritional interview to enable the selection of an optimal approach.