What condition is characterized by a decreased ability to taste?

The condition characterized by a decreased ability to taste is hypogeusia. This condition refers specifically to a partial loss of taste sensation, which means that an individual can still perceive some flavors, but not as fully or accurately as they normally would. This can impact the enjoyment of food and the ability to detect certain flavors, which can be significant for a person's overall appetite and nutrition.

In contrast, ageusia refers to a complete loss of taste, where the individual is unable to taste anything at all. Analgesia pertains to the absence of pain sensation, which is unrelated to the sense of taste. Olfaction is the sense of smell and, while closely linked to taste, does not directly describe a condition affecting taste perception. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing and diagnosing taste disorders correctly.