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Geriatric Gastroenterology: The Gastroenterologist’s Perspective

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Geriatric Gastroenterology

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Abstract

Demographic change in the last few decades shows a shift toward an older age distribution. The shift has resulted in changes in the incidence and prevalence of diseases, and associated morbidity and mortality. Because of the high prevalence of cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly, oropharyngeal dysphagia is commonly encountered. While peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has declined, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced ulcers are common and associated with morbidity and mortality. Celiac disease, considered a pediatric problem until recently, is increasingly diagnosed in the older adults. Anemia in the elderly is a diagnostic challenge. Wireless capsule endoscopy has opened a window of opportunity to visualize the entire small bowel. Small bowel disorders, including malabsorption of fat and B12 secondary to bacterial overgrowth, are common. Constipation may result from several disorders including medications. Upper, more than lower, gastrointestinal bleeding can be life-threatening. Chronic liver disease secondary to alcohol abuse is uncommon, but malignant liver disease (primary and metastatic) is common. Liver transplantation is offered to older adults and recipients over age 60. Clinicians must become familiar with the epidemiology of common gastrointestinal disorders in the elderly.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, Drexel University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF (Clinical Professor of Medicine)

  2. New York Medical College, Vallhala, NY, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF (Adjunct Professor of Medicine)

  3. Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF (Chief)

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  1. C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF
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  2. C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF
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  3. C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Hospital, Department of Medicine, Saint Peter’s University, 254 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, 08901, New Jersey, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni

  2. (North Division), Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 600 East 233rd Street, Bronx, 10466, New York, USA

    T. S. Dharmarajan

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Pitchumoni, C.S., Pitchumoni, C.S., Pitchumoni, C.S. (2012). Geriatric Gastroenterology: The Gastroenterologist’s Perspective. In: Pitchumoni, C., Dharmarajan, T. (eds) Geriatric Gastroenterology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1623-5_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1623-5_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1622-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1623-5

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