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Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders in Older Age
Igor Dumic1,2, Terri Nordin2,3, Mladen Jecmenica4
1Division of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, WI, USA.
Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|February 23, 2019
Summary
Aging brings common gastrointestinal (GI) changes, with some disorders more prevalent in older adults. This review covers key GI issues in the elderly, focusing on age-related system changes and their clinical impact.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Increased life expectancy leads to a growing elderly population.
- Aging is associated with physiological and pathological gastrointestinal (GI) changes.
- Certain GI disorders are more prevalent in individuals over 65.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant GI disorders commonly encountered in the elderly.
- To highlight age-related changes in the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, and bowels.
- To discuss the clinical implications, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of these GI conditions in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of prevalent GI disorders in the elderly.
- Analysis of age-related physiological and pathological GI changes.
- Focus on clinical manifestations, epidemiology, and pathophysiology.
Main Results:
- Age-related changes affect all parts of the GI tract, from the oral cavity to the large bowel.
- Specific GI diseases show increased prevalence in the elderly population.
- Management strategies may differ for elderly patients due to polypharmacy and side effect profiles.
Conclusions:
- Understanding age-related GI changes is crucial for geriatric care.
- Clinicians must be aware of common GI disorders and their unique presentations in the elderly.
- Tailored management approaches are necessary for effective treatment of GI conditions in older adults.
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