$Unique_ID{BRK00893}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Loss of Taste in the Elderly}
$Subject{taste loss aging cause}
$Volume{I-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Loss of Taste in the Elderly


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QUESTION:  My wife and I are now living in an adult retirement facility, where
everything is going about as well as can be expected.  However, my bride is
now beginning to lose weight, and she just won't eat because she claims the
food doesn't taste as good as when she was doing the cooking.  While it
certainly isn't the same, it is not too bad.  Does this mean something is
wrong with my wife that a doctor might help?

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ANSWER:  My initial impression from your story is that there is nothing
radically wrong with your wife, but a doctor's visit might help confirm my
opinion, or discover if something other than what I am about to discuss with
you is the cause of her taste problems.  You see, the loss of taste and smell
is quite common as we grow older, and with those diminished senses, the desire
for food is also reduced.  By the time the age of 75 is reached, there are
only half the number of taste buds or olfactory neurons (which are needed for
smelling) present than are available in a 20 year old.  Loss of taste may also
be the result of certain medications, while the loss of smell can result from
viral infections and head trauma.  There are some techniques, however, that
may help.  Encourage your wife to chew her food thoroughly, extracting the
most flavor possible from the food.  Make sure she switches from one food to
another as she eats, rather than eating all of one food on her plate at a
time.  Staying with just one kind of flavor, can reduce the body's ability to
detect it.  The use of herbs, such as basil, dill and thyme, may help, but
stay away from the hot and peppery spices that may provoke irritation to
stomach linings.  Some bottled food flavorings, such as vanilla and banana may
be used to give a little zip to the flavor of your food, and nonfat chocolate
flavoring can be sprinkled on bland foods like cereals and rice to produce a
taste that is usually a favorite for many.  Another possibility is the use of
simulated flavors, bacon and butter substitutes, that may be found in many
food stores, to enhance the flavor of the food, and rekindle your wife's
interest in her diet.  Letting your chef or cook know of your problem, and
showing him this answer may also provide you with some welcome assistance.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
