ABSTRACT
The study of the aging of the gastrointestinal system discloses few alterations in gastrointestinal function, although cellular changes occur and involve secretory activity and motility of the major structures. These cellular changes are similar to those elsewhere in the body, but in the absence of localized disease, function is usually maintained in line with requirements. Disorders and diseases, however, become more common with advancing age and involve all levels of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, starting
with the mouth and extending to the rectum, anus, and pelvic floor musculature (Figure 20.1). In geriatric clinics, about 20% of all patients have significant gastrointestinal symptoms and morbidity from gastrointestinal diseases, such as cancer of the colon, second only in incidence and mortality to lung cancer. In this chapter, aging of the gastrointestinal tract will be presented first, followed by a brief discussion of the senses of smell and taste because of their close association with gastrointestinal function (Part II); a synopsis of the aging exocrine pancreas will be presented in Part III and of the liver in Part IV.
