Can MS affect taste and smell?
Yes, MS can affect both your sense of taste and smell. About 25 percent of people with MS experience loss or changes in their ability to taste. Many people who lose their sense of taste also notice a reduced ability to smell.
Research shows that MS lesions in specific parts of the brain may Show Full Answer
Can MS affect taste and smell?
Yes, MS can affect both your sense of taste and smell. About 25 percent of people with MS experience loss or changes in their ability to taste. Many people who lose their sense of taste also notice a reduced ability to smell.
Research shows that MS lesions in specific parts of the brain may interfere with how sensory information for taste is relayed. Studies have found that people with MS often have difficulty identifying different tastes, with salty flavors being the hardest to detect, followed by sweet tastes.
The loss of taste appears to correlate with both the size and number of MS lesions in the brain. What causes these changes?
Several factors related to MS can affect taste:
- Direct nerve damage from MS lesions affecting taste perception
- MS medications (DMTs) that can cause mouth problems, dry mouth, or altered taste
- Corticosteroids used during flares that increase risk of oral infections
- Fatigue and reduced appetite that make eating less enjoyable
Some MyMSTeam members describe food tasting bland or experiencing strange tastes. One member shared: "I have had a loss of appetite, because my sense of taste and smell have been affected by the MS." When should you talk to your doctor?
Contact your doctor if you experience sudden loss of taste, as it could signal an MS relapse. Also reach out if you're experiencing unintended weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, or fatigue.
To help manage taste changes, try exploring different spices and food textures, smell your food before eating, and chew slowly. A registered dietitian can also provide personalized menu planning tips to help you enjoy food more.
February 7
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