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Losses of taste and smell are common in the elderly and result from normal aging,certain disease states(especially Alzheimer disease),medications, surgical interventions,and environmental exposure.Deficits in these chemical senses cannot only reduce the pleasure and comfort from food,but represent risk factors for nutritional and immune deficiencies as well as adherence to specific dietary regimens.Chemosensory decrements can lead to food poisoning or overexposure to environmentally hazardous chemicals that are otherwise detectable by taste and smell.Use of flavor-enhanced food can increase enjoyment of food and have a positive effect on food intake and immune status. |
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