Assessment and behavioural management options for older adults with declined smell and taste functions: a scoping review.

aimThe present scoping review aims to synthesize available evidence for the assessment and management of older adults with deteriorated smell and taste function.

methodA literature search done on Medline, CINAHL, and EMBASE without date restriction, assessment and management options for smell and taste dysfunctions in older adults. The essential keywords, such as, smell disorder, olfaction, anosmia, taste disorders, assessment, management, and older adults were used in different combinations using Boolean operation. The peer review studies written in English were included. The present scoping review included evidences from behavioural management and regular use of vitamins and minerals, however evidences from animal trials, drug trials, and cell based therapies were excluded.

resultsA total of 67 records were included for the analysis. In regards to assessment, the twenty five studies used the Sniffin Stick Test, and ten studies used the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. Eight studies used subjective methods for the assessment of taste. In terms of management, seven studies used various forms of olfactory training to intervene the smell dysfunction, and only one study discussed the taste intervention.

conclusionFrom the results, it can be delineated that limited standardized tools are available for the assessment of the sense of taste in comparison to the sense of smell. A similar, trend is noticed for taste management.