Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders

Description

Demos Health and the American Academy of Neurology Present a New Book for Patients with Smell and Taste Disorders
Over 200,000 people visit doctors each year for smell and taste problems. Since our ability to smell and taste decreases with age, up to 14 million Americans aged 55 and older may live with these disorders, undiagnosed. Smell and taste disorders affect a person's ability to enjoy food and drink and may result in decreased appetite, weight loss, and too much added sugar and salt in the diet. In severe cases they may lead to depression. Smell and taste problems can also interfere with personal safety, limiting the ability to notice smoke and potentially harmful chemicals and gases.

Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders is a unique collaboration between a doctor and a food consultant that both addresses the subject of smell and taste loss and provides food preparation tips and a special recipe section that will appeal to other senses and make food attractive again. This is a must-have reference book for all those living with smell and taste disorders.

The book covers the whole disorder including

•How smell and taste work
•Causes of smell and taste problems
•Treatments
•What you can expect when you visit a specialist
•Recipes that will appeal to other senses and make food attractive again
•First-person accounts of coping with this disorder

Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders is the inaugural book in the series Neurology Now Books from the American Academy of Neurology. Inspired by Neurology Now , the AAN's leading neurologic patient information magazine, Neurology Now Books are written from a multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of a neurologist with other related experts and patients and caregivers. Each volume will provide the reader with the most up-to-date information, answers to questions and concerns, and first-person accounts of others who are living with a neurologic disorder.

Reviews

"This is a much-needed resource for medical practice and for those who are afflicted by smell and taste disorder, as well as their carers. Crucial information is clearly explained and all technical terms defined with care and attention to the needs of the reader. The work reflects the admirable and broad experience of the authors. It truly fulfills the aims of the editors in bringing the doctor to the patient and is guaranteed to enlighten and empower both. I recommend this book to anyone who may have lost smell and taste functions and to all medical students and practitioners. In addition it is a "must read" for people who anticipate or are feeling the beginnings of neurological disorders prevalent in our senior years. This book is a great contribution to humanity." - Graham Bell, PhD, Editor, ChemoSense, Conjoint Associate Professor of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

"Dr. DeVere and Ms. Calvert offer interesting insights, reasonable and concise information, and solid advice. Patients and families struggle to gain reliable data in order to make appropriate life adjustments and important decisions. Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders delivers." - Debbie Hanna, President, Alzheimer's Association, Capital of Texas Chapter, Austin, TX

"These recipes are east to prepare and allow us to satisfy the taste palates of all generations of our families. We are glad there is a resource like this that we can access." - Harry and Cindy Zimmerman, Austin Texas

"Navigating Smell and Taste Disorders is an enlightening guide for those who suffer from chemosensory disorders. The first of its kind, this patient-oriented approach should be hailed as a groundbreaking book. It is highly recommended..." -- Alan R Hirsch, MD, Neurological Director Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, Chicago, IL

Contents

1. Why Can't I Smell; 2. Why Can't I Taste; 3. Temperature, Texture, and Spice: How Does Smell and Taste System Work?; 4. Sniffing Out What's Wrong: How Smell and Taste Disorders are Diagnosed; 5. What Does It Mean: Treatment Options and Lifestyle Changes; 6. Food Preparation; 7. Recipes; Appendix A: Smell and Taste Clinics; Appendix B: Food Resources; Appendix C: Recommended Reading; Appendix D: Internet Resources; Appendix E: What is a Neurologist/About the American Academy of Neurology and American Academy of Neurology Foundation

About the Authors

Dr. Ronald Devere had practiced neurology for 30 years when he lost part of his ability to smell in 1995. He began researching smell and taste disorders in-depth after discovering a lack of information available on the subject. As a result of his research he opened the Taste and Smell Disorders Clinic in Austin, Texas as part of his practice and is director of the clinic to this day.

Marjorie Calvert has turned her passion for cooking into a career at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, TX. In 2004 she joined the staff of the Smell and Taste Disorders Clinic as food consultant and has been instrumental in developing the clinic's taste testing study, food preparation guidelines, and recipes.