ageusia

n. Disturbance in taste recognition. When there is only a partial disturbance in taste recognition, the term his used; when there is a distortion in tasting, the term dysgeusia is used. Ageusia is typically associated with anosmia (disturbance in smell recognition), because a significant proportion of what is considered taste is derived from the olfactory information. Diverse conditions can affect taste recognition: during normal aging a decrease in taste recognition especially for bitter and salty is observed. Smoking also affects taste recognition. Local damage affecting the taste buds also interferes with taste. Certain neurological conditions, such as Bell’s palsy and multiple sclerosis, can also affect taste recognition. Vitamin B3 and zinc deficiencies can also be associated with taste recognition defects. In some specific disorders of the endocrine system such as Cushing’s syndrome and diabetes mellitus, disturbances in taste are also found. - AA
►See also HYPOGEUSIA