Our sense of smell is one of the abilities that helps us enjoy many things in our life. Because of smell we are able to taste. We can enjoy the delightful aroma of food cooking and the beautiful fragrance of fresh flowers. Smell can also alert us to something that might be hazardous such as leaking gas, a fire, or food that has gone bad. The loss of smell could be a signal of a more serious health problem.

Changes in sense of smell with age

As people age they can experience problems or complications with the sense of smell. Men are more likely to have these problems than women, who are generally regarded as having a more developed sense of smell than men. Changes in the sense of smell can occur on a gradual basis over several year span. The person may not even notice for quite some time their sense of smell is diminishing.

What is the sense of smell?

Being able to smell is thanks to a fairly complex chemical sensing system in our bodies. It is connected to the sense of taste. There are specialized cells called olfactory cells that sense smell and allow taste to be experienced. They are located high inside the nose. When a person has a cold and their sinuses are plugged, the aroma of food in the mouth is not able to reach these olfactory cells and limits the ability to taste the food on the tongue.

Kinds of smell disorders

Sometimes a decrease in the ability to smell is temporary. It depends on the cause. Sometimes the cause can be treated with medication. Some people have an overall lessening of the sense of smell. Sometimes the smell disorder results in a distortion of smell, so that a normally pleasant smell actually is perceived as something foul. In some cases the person may think they smell something that isn’t there at all. Smell loss due to aging with no other causes is called presbyosmia.

Loss of smell affects appetite

For the elderly loved one, a loss of smell sense may adversely affect their appetite. Their eating habits may change to eating less because they can’t enjoy food like before, or eating more because they are searching for something they can actually taste. The elder adult must beware in adding their own sugar or salt to food when they are experiencing a loss in sense of smell because they could overload their diet with sugar and/or salt, which is a health hazard.

Consider senior home services if your loved one needs some personal or home care. The caregiver will become a trusted friend and companion and you won’t have to worry about your loved one being alone all day and wondering if they are able to take care of themselves.