[Physiologic and pathologic age related changes in the stomach]

While it would be an exaggeration to claim that the stomach does not age, age-related physiological changes are exceptions rather than the rule. In most patients, chronic gastritis is induced by Helicobacter pylori, and autoimmune gastritis is rare. A specific ulcer of old age is unlikely; most ulcers in the elderly are drug-induced, with the NSAIDs predominating. Consideration should be given to the fact that a variety of drugs may damage the mucosa, and also to the problems of drug treatment in the elderly patient.