Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine the taste sensitivity of mentally handicapped persons. The subject in this study was 25 persons who participate in day care activities and 25 inpatients were adjusted for sex, age, and primary diagnosis. The entire process of the investigation was conducted by the head nurses at the departments where the subjects received care. The taste sensitivity test was conducted by dropping taste solutions into subjects' mouths, and each subject filled out a self-report questionnaire regarding lifestyles. The measurements of taste sensitivity of those who participate in day care activities were as follows: sweetness 3.4 ± 1.6, saltiness 3.1 ± 1.6, sourness 4.0 ± 1.6, and bitterness 4.4 ± 1.8. Those of the inpatients were as follows: sweetness 4.4 ± 1.9, saltiness 3.1 ± 2.0, sourness 4.4 ± 2.3, and bitterness 5.4 ± 2.5. A slight difference in lifestyles was seen between the two groups. The average measurements of sensitivity to the four types of taste, sweetness, sourness, and bitterness, were lower in the group of day care participants compared with the inpatients, suggesting higher taste sensitivity in the former. There was a significant difference in the sensitivity to sweetness (P<0.05).
