Treatment for Loss of Taste in Elderly

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Although there is no treatment for any gradual loss of taste that occurs with aging, relief from taste disorders is possible for many older people.

Depending on the cause of your elder's problem with taste, the doctor may be able to treat it or suggest ways to cope with it.

Scientists are studying how loss of taste occurs so that treatments can be developed.


The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institute of Health (NIH) leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.
 
 

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SandwichINK

Give a Hug

Sep 4, 2009

After 14 years with Parkinson's Disease, my senior dad developed this problem. We did try different things with the help of the doctor but nothing changed. My mom and he would add lot of extra seasonings so he could kind of taste things, but overall, he couldn't taste much. I remember he was so frustrated by it, but just kept plugging along with minimal complaints. He set a great example of accepting a problem and dealing with it! I was very proud of him! :)

 
 

Dane

Give a Hug

Sep 7, 2009

My husband has had a loss of smell for years and has been diagnosed with Parkinsons. Does anyone know if they r related in any way? Dane

 
 

SandwichINK

Give a Hug

Sep 7, 2009

I would definitely discuss this with your doctor. My dad had Parkinson's Disease for several years before he lost his sense of taste.

The Mayo Clinic has an interesting article on this which includes the statement, "There are many causes for both conditions. Conditions that cause a reduced sense of smell include nasal and sinus diseases, head trauma, aging, cigarette smoking, many medications, toxic chemical exposure, nutritional deficiencies, some endocrinologic disorders, some neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease), and even a brain tumor." You can find the full article at www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2008/oct-24b.html

 
 

angels241

Give a Hug

Sep 3, 2011

my mom is 84, with congestive heart problems, and recently had gall bladder removal. On our last trip of four in two monthes, she was given blood transfusions, and was suffering from severe dehydration. She has gradually stopped wanting to eat, starting with fewer healthy foods, and wanting candy and ice cream to not wanting to eat at all. This will be a vicious circle with the anemia and dehydration coming back. Does anyone have suggestions on what I can do.

 
 

19denver26

Give a Hug

Oct 8, 2011

I am an 85 yr. old woman who has loved cooking and eating from comfort food to gourmet. In the last yr. I have had some health issues--mitral valve stenosis, poor leg circulation resulting in such weight in my legs and feet that in May I was hospitalized and 50lbs of primarily fluid was taken off by aggressive diuretics etc. (at least 35lbs. was fluid because it was weighed...I'm tall and &had wgt. to lose so that's good.) I will always have the circulation problem and have had a LOT of tests on everything!. I am still on diuretic & reduced salt intake. For a while now nothing tastes as good as it used to even tho the food is the same. At first I thought it was mainly the reduced salt, but it's true of even natural things. One M.D. suggested zinc, but it isn't helping. Any other suggestions?

 
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