As we age our body goes through many changes. One of the most common things is changes in taste. Many seniors find that their favorite meals now taste bland, bitter, metallic and sometimes completely different. Losing all your taste is known as ageusia and losing some is known as hypogeusia. Distorted taste is known as dysgeusia.

Knowing why seniors experience these taste changes can help them and their carers and family members address the root cause. This medical guide will look at all the reasons why older adults experience taste changes and provide you with helpful solutions.

What Taste Bud and Smell Nerve Changes Happen From Natural Aging?

There are many changes that happen to your body as you age. These changes can affect the way your taste buds and smell nerves function:

  • Fewer Taste Buds – Young adults have approximately 10,000 taste buds across their tongue, soft palate and throat. As we age, we naturally start to lose taste buds and those that remain become smaller.

  • Taste Cells Regenerate Slower – Taste bud cells regenerate every 10-14 days in younger people. This regenerative process is much slower in older people.

  • Loss Of Smell – Most of what we taste is actually from our sense of smell. Over time, our smell nerves in our nose will lose their nerve fibers. This will lead to a loss of being able to enjoy complex flavors in food.

  • Higher Threshold – Often older adults need higher amounts of sweet, salty, sour and bitter tastes in their food.

Which Medication Side Effects Can Cause Changes in Taste?

A vast amount of taste changes in older adults are due to medication. Many seniors will take multiple prescription medications each day.

  • Blood Pressure Medication – Medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and diuretics often lead to a metallic, salty or bitter taste.

  • Antibiotics/Antifungals – Some prescription antibiotics will cause temporary taste changes. This can cause a bitter or metallic taste.

  • Cholesterol/Heart Medication – Statins and heart medications can cause a loss in taste.

  • Antidepressants/Sedatives – Neurological medications often cause a decrease in natural saliva. This can leave the mouth dry and mean that less food molecules will reach your taste buds.

How Can Dental Problems Affect Taste in Older Adults?

Our mouth is where our taste occurs. Poor dental health can cause problems:

  • Dry Mouth – Saliva helps break down food molecules so they can be recognized by your taste buds. As we age, suffer from auto-immune problems or take medication our saliva production will decrease and food will taste dry, paper like or have no taste.

  • Gum Disease/Tooth Decay – Active gum infections, bleeding gums and tooth decay will cause unpleasant tasting bacteria.

  • Full Upper Dentures – Full upper dentures will cover the hard palate. This is where many secondary taste buds are. Food can get trapped under poorly fitting dentures causing unpleasant tastes.

  • Poor Tongue Hygiene – Bacteria and fungal growth can build up on your tongue causing your taste pores to be blocked.

Which Nutrient Deficiencies Can Affect Taste in Older Adults?

Our nerves and taste bud production rely on certain vitamins and minerals. Without these your senses will be affected:

  • Zinc Deficiency – Zinc is needed to produce gusting. This is an important protein needed to produce taste buds. A lack of zinc is one of the main causes of severe taste loss in older adults.

  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency – A lack of vitamin B12 will cause nerve damage, inflammation of the tongue and a glossy red tongue (glottis). This will cause a loss of working taste buds.

  • Copper & Iron Deficiencies – A lack of these important trace elements can affect red blood cell production and nerve conduction causing a loss of taste.

  • Protein Energy Malnutrition – A lack of nutrients overall will cause a loss of cell repair across all your senses.

Which Chronic Medical Conditions Can Cause Taste Changes?

Many chronic diseases can cause changes to your sensory nerves:

  • Diabetes Mellitus – High blood sugar levels can cause damage to your fragile nerves. This includes those linking your taste buds to your brain. It also increases the risk of developing oral thrush.

  • Upper Respiratory Infections – Chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps and seasonal allergies can cause blockage to air getting to your smell nerves. This will cause a loss of taste.

  • Kidney/Liver Disease – Advanced kidney or liver disease can cause a build up of waste products in your blood. This can cause a metallic, sour or uric taste.

  • Neurological Conditions – Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, strokes and bell’s palsy can cause damage to the brain.

What Are the Risks Of Losing Taste With Age?

Losing your sense of taste can cause many issues:

  • Weight Loss – Older adults often lose their appetite when food no longer tastes nice. This can cause severe weight loss, muscle wastage and overall weakness.

  • Too Much Salt & Sugar – Seniors often add too much salt and sugar to their food. This can worsen high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.

  • Food Poisoning – A lack of taste and smell means that older adults will not be able to tell if their milk has gone off, their meat is sour or there is a gas leak in their home.

  • Depression – Eating is a big social activity. Losing the enjoyment of eating can cause many to become withdrawn, feel low and develop depression.

How Can You Improve Taste With Home Remedies?

There are many simple and healthy ways to improve the taste of your food:

  • Use Strong Aromatic Spices – Add strong, non salty ingredients such as garlic, ginger, rosemary, basil, cumin, lemon juice and citrus zest to your food to improve the taste. This will help encourage your remaining smell nerves.

  • Good Oral Hygiene – Use a soft tongue scraper daily to clean your tongue. Brush your teeth twice daily and have regular professional cleanings.

  • Drink Plenty Of Water – Drink plenty of fresh water throughout the day. Chewing sugar free gum can help to increase natural saliva. You can also use artificial saliva sprays recommended by your doctor.

  • Mix Different Textures & Colors – Try mixing crunchy, creamy, hot and cold foods together.

What Checklist Should Older Adults Follow to Manage Taste Changes?

  • Book an appointment with your Doctor to have a full check up and see what medications you are taking.

  • See your dentist to treat any gum disease, tooth decay or poorly fitting upper dentures.

  • Ask your Doctor to check your blood for any deficiencies in zinc, iron and vitamin B12.

  • Brush your teeth, gums and tongue twice daily to remove any bacterial build up blocking your taste pores.

  • Use aromatic spices, herbs and citrus juices rather than adding too much salt or sugar.

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day or use saliva substitutes.

  • Check use by dates on your food.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About Taste Changes in Older Adults?

Can Taste Loss in Older Adults Be Reversed?

This will depend on the cause. If it is caused by a medication, zinc deficiency or fungal infection in the mouth this can often be treated and your taste returned to normal. However, if it is due to natural nerve degeneration then it may be permanent.

Can Seniors Experience Long Term Taste Changes From COVID-19?

Yes, viral infections such as COVID-19 can cause damage to your smell nerves and taste. Many older adults will regain their taste within a few weeks however some will experience long term changes for several months.

Which Doctor Should I See If My Older Relative Has Lost Their Taste?

First see your General Practitioner for a full check up and blood tests. They may refer you to an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist/ENT) or dentist for further investigations.

Is Sudden Taste Loss a Sign of a Medical Emergency?

Yes, sudden taste loss can be a sign of a neurological problem such as a stroke. If you are experiencing sudden taste loss with any of the below symptoms seek immediate medical attention:

  • Numbness on the face

  • Weakness in the arm

  • Confusion

  • Difficulty speaking

Changes in your taste can be a common problem as you age. However, there are ways to help. By identifying any medication side effects, treating any dental problems, correcting any nutrient deficiencies and using healthy spices in your food you can ensure you stay well nourished and enjoy your food. If you are noticing any changes in your taste book an appointment with your healthcare provider for a thorough investigation.