Decrease in or loss of taste is common in older adults. It is part of the normal aging process and may be caused by:

• A decrease in the number of taste buds.
• Changes in the way the nervous system processes the sensation of taste. This may cause a decline in the awareness of taste.
• A decrease in the amount of saliva or an increase in the stickiness of saliva.
• Changes in the tongue, making it harder for flavors to reach the taste buds.

Other factors that may cause a decrease or loss of taste include:

• Loss of smell. Much of what is thought of as taste is actually smell.
• Minor infections, such as a cold or flu.
• Smoking or using smokeless (spit) tobacco.
• Side effects of medication, surgery, or radiation therapy.
• Nutritional deficiencies of zinc or vitamin B12.
• Diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Bell's palsy, hepatitis, Sjögren's syndrome, and oral cancer.