Which of the following is NOT a physiological change associated with aging that can exacerbate anorexia?

The correct answer highlights that changes in cognitive function, while they can impact eating behavior and nutritional intake, are not classified strictly as physiological changes associated with aging that directly exacerbate anorexia. Physiological changes refer to biological and bodily functions that occur naturally as people age.

Decreased olfaction and decreased taste are both well-documented physiological changes that can significantly affect appetite. As these senses diminish, the enjoyment and desire for food may lessen, which can lead to reduced food intake and contribute to anorexia in older adults.

Changes in hormone levels that regulate satiety and food intake, such as alterations in ghrelin and leptin, are also physiological factors that influence appetite. These hormones play key roles in hunger cues and food regulation, and their imbalance can further exacerbate conditions like anorexia by affecting how full or hungry an individual feels.

Understanding these distinct categories of aging changes helps to clarify how they influence nutritional status in older adults. Thus, the emphasis on cognitive function as a non-physiological change underscores the multifaceted nature of factors affecting appetite and nutritional health in the geriatric population, distinguishing it from the direct physiological mechanisms that can worsen conditions like anorexia.