Most people are now aware that loss of taste is a symptom of Covid-19. However, if your elderly loved one has loss of taste, that doesn’t automatically mean they have Covid-19. There are some other reasons for loss of taste in senior citizens. As a family caregiver, it can be helpful to learn about these issues.
Normal Aging
Did you know that many senior citizens have loss of taste? Sometimes, there is no medical reason for it. Losing one’s taste can just happen as a person gets older. People have about 9,000 taste buds. If someone eats hot foods or drinks something hot regularly, it can burn some of these taste buds. While some taste buds may recover, others might not. As people get into their elderly years, they may have lost many of their taste buds.
Other Reasons for Losing Taste
As mentioned above, Covid-19 is a common reason for loss of taste. However, there are other reasons in addition to Covid-19 and aging that can cause loss of taste. Some of these reasons include:
- Medications – Certain medications such as blood pressure medicines, antibiotics, and cholesterol medications can cause someone to lose their sense of taste.
- Dentures – When someone wears dentures, the food may not fully connect to taste buds which can cause someone to think they lost their sense of taste.
- Health issues – There are various health issues that can cause loss of taste such as cancer, allergies, and head injuries.
If your elderly loved one has loss their sense of taste, they may be frustrated. It can be irritating not being able to enjoy one’s favorite foods or drinks. If there isn’t a reason found yet for your elderly loved one’s loss of taste, you or an elder care provider should take them to the doctor. Tests can be run to determine why your elderly loved one lost their sense of taste.
Conclusion
The above-noted reasons for loss of taste might be affecting your elderly loved one. As a family caregiver, it is important to be understanding of what your elderly loved one is going through. Try to think about how you would feel if you couldn’t enjoy your favorite foods and drinks. Once you realize what your elderly loved one is going through, hopefully you and their elder care providers can help out. You can add spices to their food or just try to find them foods that are more flavorful.
If you or an aging loved one needs Elder Care in Lincoln, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/smell-and-taste
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