Anorexia due to aging itself has many causes, including Reduced adaptive relaxation of the stomach's fundus Increased release and activity of cholecystokinin (which produces satiation) Increased leptin (an anorectic hormone produced by fat cells) Diminished taste and smell, which can decrease eating pleasure but usually decrease food intake only slightly Depression (a common cause) Loneliness Inability to shop or prepare meals Dementia Some chronic disorders Use of certain drugs Occasionally, anorexia nervosa (sometimes called anorexia tardive in older patients), paranoia, or mania interferes with eating.