Loss of Taste and Brain Aging
Many people notice their sense of taste fading as they get older, and this change often ties back to what is happening in the brain. After age 60, it is common for taste and smell to weaken naturally, but this can signal deeper brain changes too.[2] Our brain handles taste through close teamwork with smell, since most flavors come from scents reaching the nose. When brain density drops with age, it affects these senses, making food seem bland.[1]
This loss matters because it links to brain health over time. Healthy smell and taste keep brain areas active, like those for memory and attention. Older adults with stronger smell skills often have sharper minds and better recall.[4] On the flip side, poor smell can hint at early brain issues. For example, in Alzheimer’s disease, smell fades before memory problems show up. Immune cells in the brain may damage scent pathways early on, cutting links between smell centers and alertness regions.[4] Parkinson’s disease also harms nerves for taste and smell.[1][2]
Brain scans and studies show age shifts taste processing. Older people have weaker brain responses to tastes, like smaller signals in areas that sort flavors.[3] This ties to less brain flexibility, where fewer new experiences dull senses.[3] Loss of taste can lead to eating less, weight changes, or even feeling down, since food loses its joy.[2]
Not all loss comes from aging alone. Things like sinus issues, colds, COVID-19, medicines, smoking, or head injuries play a role.[1][2] COVID often causes sudden taste loss, but most recover in weeks or months.[1][2] For lasting problems, smell training helps. Sniff strong scents like lemon, cloves, rose, or coffee twice a day for months to retrain the brain.[1][2][6]
Seeing a doctor is key if taste fades. They can check for fixable causes, like adjusting drugs or treating sinuses.[2] Simple smell tests give quick clues about brain health and let you act early.[4]
Sources
https://www.oreateai.com/blog/understanding-the-causes-of-loss-of-taste-more-than-just-a-cold/04c4e2a3775938e9dece29c0bdfe0d3c
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/expert-answers/loss-of-taste-and-smell/faq-20058455
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12731177/
https://www.estenda.com/blog/why-the-latest-review-on-olfactory-health-demands-worldwide-smell-tests-and-how-we-can-help
https://www.acsh.org/news/2025/12/22/artificial-sweeteners-cognitive-concerns-49879
https://www.henryford.com/Blog/2025/12/regaining-sense-of-smell-and-taste-after-covid
https://www.medanta.org/patient-education-blog/artificial-sweeteners-effects-on-mood-focus-and-brain-function
