Gastrointestinal Disorders Of The Elderly

With the dramatic increase of the aging population, the study and care of gastrointestinal disorders in the elderly have become priority topics for both clinicians and researchers. The geriatric approach which includes the epidemiology and pharmacokinetics of drugs as well as a comprehensive multidimensional assessment is particularly important in managing older patients with gastrointestinal disorders, since these patients are likely to have multiple interacting problems that interfere with their daily function and complicate their treatment. This book presents the results of recent studies in geriatric gastroenterology and reviews both basic and clinical aspects of the field. An important section is devoted to the close examination of the structural and functional effects of aging on the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent advances in diagnostic tools and the treatment of elderly patients with dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux disease as well as with NSAID-related or Helicobacter pylori-associated gastroduodenal diseases are reported in updated chapters. The physician's approach to the management of disorders of the small intestine, colon, pancreas and liver is discussed, highlighting the specific aspects of such disorders in old age. As it is important that the geriatric assessment of elderly patients is carried out by a multidisciplinary team which includes experienced specialists as well as primary care physicians and community health workers, the book addresses a wide readership: general physicians, specialists in geriatrics and gastroenterology and health care providers involved in planning care for elderly patients with gastrointestinal disorders.

The study and care of gastrointestinal disorders in the elderly have become priority topics for both clinicians and researchers as the aged constitute an ever-increasing part of the overall population. This publication presents the results of recent studies in geriatric gastroenterology, reviewing both basic research and clinical aspects. A significant part is devoted to the physician's clinical approach to the elderly suffering from specific gastroenterological problems. Another focal point is diagnostic testing, which becomes very important in old age because clinical features such as history and physical signs are often very difficult to interpret: clinical manifestations and the response to therapy may seem to differ because the older patient has several concomitant disorders that may distort the classic features of the primary gastrointestinal disease. Also discussed are the effects of aging on the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract and liver functions, as well as the management of disorders of the small intestine, colon, and liver. This publication will be useful for general physicians, specialists in geriatrics and gastroenterology, and all healthcare providers who are involved in planning care management of elderly people with gastrointestinal disorders.

Aging trends in the United States and Europe continue to demonstrate an increasingly older society, a trend that is unlikely to change for decades to come. This trend renders it prudent for health care providers to better prepare for the changes in society and their health needs. The current number of older adults (aged over 65), about 13% of the U.S. population, is expected to grow to over 20% in the next 20 years. Preparation for the changes in society involves provision of training for current and future generations of physicians to deal with health problems of older adults. Training programs in internal medicine and gastroenterology are required to deal with disorders of aging in the present day hospitalized, long-term care and community older adults. Physiological changes and disease processes in older adults differ significantly from those of the young; these are aspects that trainees and practicing physicians need to have an understanding of. Yet texts devoted to gastrointestinal illness in the elderly are scant at this stage and are clearly in demand. This text provides a comprehensive overview of gastrointestinal disease and disorders in older adults. Divided into sixteen sections, this major reference work covers all aspects of gastroenterology as it pertains to older adults, including epidemiology, gastrointestinal physiology, motility disorders, luminal disorders, hepatobiliary disease, systemic manifestations, neoplastic disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, and gastrointestinal cancer. In addition to fully revised chapters from the previous edition of Geriatric Gastroenterology, the latest edition features new chapters on drug injury to the GI tract, gut microbiota and aging, dysphagia, diabetes and its manifestations, and nursing for GI disorders. Nutrition and related disorders, as well as capsule endoscopy and its utility in the geriatric population, are also highlighted in the text. Presented in a simple, easy to read format, the volume includes numerous figures, tables, and key points to enable ease of understanding.

This book provides nurses with practical information on the most frequently encountered gastrointestinal disorders and problems found in the elderly ó from constipation, hemorrhoids, and diverticulosis to cancers of the GI tract. It was developed to provide greater depth of information than can be found in general nursing textbooks, and to tailor this information to the special needs of the elderly. Each chapter includes a definition of the condition, followed by its cause, normal and abnormal physiology, nursing care with attention to nursing diagnoses, interventions, medications, and alternative therapies (where appropriate). Health promotion, nutrition, and quality of life issues are included as an essential part of any plan of care for older adults.

Aging is associated with an increased prevalence of several GI disorders, including those induced by drugs (eg, gastrointestinal bleeding caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), anorexia of aging, development of constipation, diarrhea or fecal incontinence, and postprandial hypotension. This issue addresses these disorders and discusses the current treatments for management of these patients. Specifically, articles focus on celiac disease, anorexia of aging, chronic constipation, fecal incontinence, neurogastrointestinal diseases, ischemic gut, and the pharmacology of commonly used GI drugs.

As aging trends in the United States and Europe in particular are strongly suggestive of increasingly older society, it would be prudent for health care providers to better prepare for such changes. By including physiology, disease, nutrition, pharmacology, pathology, radiology and other relevant associated topics, Geriatric Gastroenterology fills the void in the literature for a volume devoted specifically to gastrointestinal illness in the elderly. This unique volume includes provision of training for current and future generations of physicians to deal with the health problems of older adults. It will also serve as a comprehensive guide to practicing physicians for ease of reference. Relevant to the geriatric age group, the volume covers epidemiology, physiology of aging, gastrointestinal physiology, pharmacology, radiology, pathology, motility disorders, luminal disorders, hepato-biliary disease, systemic manifestations, neoplastic disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, cancer and medication related interactions and adverse events, all extremely common in older adults; these are often hard to evaluate and judge, especially considering the complex aging physiology. All have become important components of modern medicine. Special emphasis is be given to nutrition and related disorders. Capsule endoscopy and its utility in the geriatric population is also covered. Presented in simple, easy to read style, the volume includes numerous tables, figures and key points enabling ease of understanding. Chapters on imaging and pathology are profusely illustrated. All chapters are written by specialists and include up to date scientific information. Geriatric Gastroenterology is of great utility to residents in internal medicine, fellows in gastroenterology and geriatric medicine as well as gastroenterologists, geriatricians and practicing physicians including primary care physicians caring for older adults.