Loss of taste and smell: A normal part of aging?

Is some loss of taste and smell normal as I get older? Is there anything I can do about it?

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Answer

Some loss of taste and smell occurs normally with aging. This can be due to degeneration of the nerves that control smell, which can directly or indirectly affect taste. Also, the number and sensitivity of your taste buds diminish with age. However, a decrease or loss of taste and smell may also occur due to other, often treatable, causes. These causes may include:

• Nasal and sinus problems, such as allergies, sinusitis and nasal polyps
• Certain medications, such as some antibiotics, high blood pressure medications and chemotherapy
• Mouth sores, tooth decay or poor dental hygiene
• Head injury
• Cigarette smoking
• Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease

Loss of taste and smell can have a significant impact on quality of life. Diminished taste and smell can lead to decreased appetite and poor nutrition in older adults. It may also tempt you to use too much salt or sugar on your food to enhance the taste — which is a problem if you have high blood pressure or diabetes. For these reasons, it's important to have any taste and smell loss evaluated by your doctor. If properly diagnosed, many causes of impaired taste and smell are treatable. Treatment may include:

• Over-the-counter or prescription medications if allergies or sinusitis is a problem
• Quitting smoking if you are a smoker
• Dental care, if tooth decay or gum disease (gingivitis) is the cause
• Changing medications or doses, if your current medications are causing impaired taste and smell
• Surgery to remove nasal polyps

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• Nasal polyps
• Acute sinusitis
• Quit smoking: Practical strategies for success
• Oral health: Tips for proper dental care