$Unique_ID{BRK00697}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Sense of Smell and Taste not as Sharp}
$Subject{taste smell aging}
$Volume{F-11, F-6}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Sense of Smell and Taste not as Sharp


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QUESTION:  I have always prided myself of my cooking and the compliments I
received from guests who sampled my dishes.  Lately, however, I seem to have
lost the touch, because my sense of smell and taste do not seem as sharp as
they once were.  I visited a doctor who could find nothing wrong with me.  Do
you have any explanations to explain my predicament?

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ANSWER:  I have an explanation, but regrettably no solution.  Those wonderful
senses of taste and smell become less sensitive and sharp, as we grow older,
so much so that almost half the people over the age of 65 have some problem
with their ability to smell.  According to some reports more than 200,000
Americans will visit their doctors this year alone to complain of a diminished
ability to smell and taste.  It is a good time to review any medications you
are taking, which may be the cause of the impairment, as well as a thorough
check for a number of disorders and diseases which may affect these senses.
If nothing is discovered, than you may have to learn to cope with the
situation, as it probably will progress slowly.  About 75% of people over 80,
can not detect certain odors, and, at the present time, there are no
medications to treat a disorder of impaired taste or smell.  The complaint is
so wide spread that it has interested a number of scientists who are
conducting research into new ways of stimulating these important senses.  When
the results are in, I'll let you know.
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.
