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 flavors 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, penicillam