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.
Credits
| Author | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Alison Allen |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Last Updated | December 1, 2006 |
Author:Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Last Updated: 12/01/2006
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