Final answer:
The drug prescribed by Malcolm's doctor is reducing his sense of taste and smell, which is why he no longer enjoys eating and drinking. Adding ingredients that stimulate the gustatory sense, like salt, can improve the taste of food for someone with anosmia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug prescribed by Malcolm's doctor is reducing his sense of taste and smell, which is why he no longer enjoys eating and drinking. Loss of the sense of smell, called anosmia, can result in food tasting bland as our enjoyment of food is largely based on our sense of smell. Adding ingredients that stimulate the gustatory sense, like salt, can improve the taste of food for someone with anosmia.