Anosmia is the loss of smell. February 27th raises awareness of this health concern that affects more older adults than younger ones. Just over three out of ten older adults have anosmia, here are the facts you need to know.
Loss of Smell Can Be Partial or Complete
Anosmia is classified in two ways. There may be a partial loss of smell (hyposmia) or full loss of smell (anosmia). The condition can be temporary or permanent. An example of a temporary loss of smell can be what happens if you lost the sense of smell with COVID or don’t smell properly due to habits like smoking.
Viruses Often Cause Anosmia
Many cases of anosmia are tied to a virus. A head cold and COVID are both likely culprits if your mom has lost her sense of smell. If she had a head cold and developed a sinus infection, that’s also a common cause of anosmia.
But, there are other causes and some require urgent attention. If a virus is ruled out, his doctor needs to look at some of the other reasons for a loss of smell. They can range from a tumor, brain injury, nasal polyp, dementia, or deviated septum.
Inflammation and Obstruction Account for More Than Half of All Cases
Senior Home care in Seminole FL
Before you get too worried about your mom’s loss of smell, it’s important to realize that 50% to 70% of all cases of anosmia are caused by inflammation or obstruction in the sinuses or nasal passage. Once the blockage or inflammation ends, the sense of smell returns.
It Can Lead to Unexpected Risks
You might not think of the loss of smell as being dangerous, but it can lead to issues. Smell affects how foods taste. If your mom is adding a lot of salt to try to taste foods, she could be impacting his health if he has kidney disease or high blood pressure.
She might not be able to smell something like food burning on the stove or a gas leak in her furnace. She might not recognize that the egg salad in her refrigerator smells rotten. The ability to smell is crucial. If she can’t smell, she needs someone with her for safety’s sake until her sense of smell returns.
If your senior is dealing with anosmia, it can make it hard for her to want to eat the right foods. Work with a senior home care aide to come up with meal plans that your mom finds appealing. You can focus on your job and family life, while a home care aide supports your mom with shopping and meal preparation.
She also should have a caregiver with her to check that the foods in her fridge are not spoiled. Her caregiver can also check for unusual odors in the house, such as a heating oil or gas leak, the smell of burning food, or the hot chemical smell of overheating batteries in rechargeable electronics.
Sources:
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-taste-smell
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482152/
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Senior Home Care in Seminole, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
