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Published on: December 16, 2014
Basic mechanisms of the aging gastrointestinal tract
1Geriatric Department, Hospital Xavier Arnozan, Pessac, France. nathalie.salles@chu-bordeaux.fr
Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 1, 2007
Summary
Aging minimally impacts gastrointestinal functions directly, though motility disorders like dysphagia and constipation are common in older adults. Histological changes, including gastric acid secretion and bacterial overgrowth, also occur with advanced age.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Gerontology
- Digestive System Physiology
Background:
- Aging is associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) motor disorders.
- Histological changes in the GI tract are also observed in elderly individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent data on age-related changes in the gastrointestinal system.
- Focus on GI motility disorders and mucosal variations in older populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on aging and gastrointestinal function.
- Analysis of data concerning GI motility disorders and histological changes.
Main Results:
- While aging has a minimal direct effect on most GI functions, prevalence of disorders like dysphagia, dyspepsia, anorexia, and constipation increases in the elderly.
- Histological changes include alterations in mucosal growth regulation, carcinogenesis, gastric acid secretion, and bacterial overgrowth.
Conclusions:
- Aging itself has a limited direct impact on GI function, but associated disorders and histological changes are significant in the elderly.
- Understanding these age-related GI changes is crucial for managing health in older patients.
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