$Unique_ID{BRK00697}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Sense of Smell and Taste not as Sharp}
$Subject{taste smell aging Sense senses older age aged elder elderly old
geriatric}
$Volume{F-21,T-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   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, then 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.

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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.