Gastroenterology in the elderly

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are the third most common cause of general practice consultations for patients >65 years in developed countries. A number of changes in the structure and function of the GI tract occur as a normal part of ageing. However, with increasing age, the incidence of both benign and malignant GI disease rises. Although GI disorders do not show particular characteristics in elderly compared with younger adults, they can present with more severe symptoms as a result of co-morbidities and polypharmacy.