Chemosensory declines in older adults with HIV: identifying interventions

J Gerontol Nurs. 2006 Jul;32(7):42-8. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20060701-06.

Abstract

Olfactory and gustatory impairments are observed with aging and with HIV infection. Thus, the synergistic effects of aging with HIV infection on olfactory and gustatory declines may be profound. Such declines can jeopardize several areas for an older adult living with HIV such as safety, appetite and malnutrition, cognition, mood, and quality of life. Potential interventions that need to be investigated include hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, medical assessment, and compensation strategies. Nurses are the primary providers of care and education to address sensory alterations of those who have HIV and those who are aging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Affect
  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Cognition
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Geriatric Nursing
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Health Promotion
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Nutritional Status
  • Olfaction Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Olfaction Disorders* / etiology
  • Olfaction Disorders* / prevention & control
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Risk Factors
  • Safety
  • Taste Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Taste Disorders* / etiology
  • Taste Disorders* / prevention & control