Ageing and the gut.
The current concepts on diagnosis, clinical features, and management of common gastrointestinal conditions in the elderly population, taking into account physiological aspects of ageing, are evaluated. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are discussed with an emphasis on oesophageal problems, Helicobacter pylori infection, malabsorption, diverticular disease, and cancer. GI problems are acquiring greater importance in hospitals and in the community and their incidence is increasing. Newer treatments have less impact on patients' wellbeing and meticulously planned investigation and treatment is needed. Careful selection of patients and application of modern techniques has improved survival and outcomes, with comparable results to those in younger age groups.
D'Souza
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Care of the Elderly, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK. aloysiusds@aol.com
D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008643:Mesentery / Q000098:blood supply; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy