Abstract
Over the course of normal aging olfactory and gustatory functions exhibit a significant decline, of which people are frequently unaware. This decline, caused by physiological changes on both the peripheral and central levels of the olfactory and gustatory system, can be assessed with psychophysical methods of olfactory and gustatory testing.
Research on the decline of chemosensory functions with normal aging has significance not only for diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, but also as regards olfaction and gustation-related quality of life. The consequences for the quality of life of the aging person include, first and foremost, an increased risk of household accidents, such as fire or gas leakage, diminished food enjoyment, and change in dietary habits in general, with potential implications for health status.
The aim of this review is to introduce the nature, causes, and consequences of the decline of olfactory and gustatory functions in normal aging as well as methods and contribution of screening of smell and taste with psychophysical tests. An emphasis is placed on olfaction due to its relatively more pronounced decline and more consequential implications thereof for health status and quality of life in normal aging.