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taste changes

overview

taste changes may include the complete loss of taste (ageusia), partial loss of taste (hypogeusia), a distorted sense of taste (dysgeusia), such as a metallic taste, or an unpleasant or revolting taste (cacogeusia).

a 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 decreased amount of saliva or an increased stickiness of saliva.
  • changes in the tongue, making it harder for flavours to reach the taste buds.

other factors that may cause taste change include:

  • a dry mouth.
  • loss of smell. much of what is thought of as taste is actually smell.
  • minor infections, such as a cold or flu.
  • cigarette smoking or the use of smokeless (spit) tobacco.
  • medicine or surgery. medicines that commonly distort taste include thyroid medicines, captopril, griseofulvin, lithium, penicillamine, procarbazine, rifampin, vinblastine, and vincristine.
  • nutritional deficiencies of zinc or vitamin b12.
  • injury.
  • certain diseases, such as alzheimer's disease, bell's palsy, hepatitis, sjögren's syndrome, and oral cancer.

related information

credits

current as of: september 27, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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