Poor Appetite and Aging

Q:  I am 83 and in comparatively good health except for fatigue. For about eight months I have not enjoyed eating foods I formerly anticipated and liked. I eat and have maintained my weight because I know that in order to work, I must "stoke the furnace."

Please tell me the reason for my not enjoying eating and what I can do to correct this. Some time ago I was diagnosed with acid reflux and hiatal hernia but have not been troubled for a LONG time. Many thanks for your consideration and help.

A:  It is quite common for taste buds to be less sensitive as people age. Medications can also change the taste of your saliva or interfere with salivation resulting in a dry mouth and decreased taste sensation. Some viruses can permanently destroy your senses of smell and taste and strokes may also affect those senses.

If you had just lost your appetite, I would reassure you and tell you to wait and see what happens, but since you are also tired and this has been going on for almost a year, I think you should see your physician and get a thorough evaluation.

"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.