Page 154 - Mind Games The Aging Brain and How to Keep it Healthy

138 • Chapter 5

Taste
In general, the decrease in taste sensitivity with age is due to
fewer taste buds, decreased salivary secretions, formation of
fissures on the tongue, and age-related changes in the process
of taste sensations by the central nervous system. This affects
our quality and enjoyment of life. Nothing tastes right any-
more. We do not enjoy eating and may decide it is not worth
the trouble to cook or go out to eat. We may not get all the nu-
trition we need to feed our muscles, organs, and brains.

A profound loss of taste is not normal.

You might want to consider this as an opportunity to be
adventurous and try new foods. How about the foods you
tried before and did not like? Your tastes have changed, so
perhaps you should give foods you did not like a second
chance. Try hot sauce, anchovies, new fruits, and new veg-
etables. Use this opportunity to investigate new cooking
styles. You might be careful when adding spices to your
foods for company. They may find it a little strong!

Smell
olfactory—relating to the sense of smell

In general, some mild decrease of olfactory sensitivity is
common with increasing age. Olfactory sensory receptor
cells decrease in number as you age. Adecrease in smell may
influence our sensitivity to taste (as in when you have a
cold). The smell of foods actually starts the digestive process
because it triggers the release of insulin. This, in turn, influ-
ences our tastes, diet, and nutrition. In addition, a decrease in
olfactory abilities could affect our safety if we cannot detect
a gas leak or notice the smell of spoiled foods.
Some dentures have an effect on your sense of smell.
Those dentures with a full upper plate across the roof of the
mouth interfere with the absorption of the aroma of foods. If
you have a set of these dentures and you notice that food
does not smell or taste as well as before, consult with your