Principles of the rational pharmacotherapy of gastrointestinal disease in elderly

Abstract

Age alone is a poor marker of disability. Gastrointestinal problems in the elderly are the same as those that occur in a younger age group. Despite many alterations in the structural support and cellular functions, the reserve function of the ageing gastrointestinal tract is maintained, but there is an increased occurrence of disease and the presentation of disease may be altered. Elderly patients are very often given multiple drugs, many of which may have significant adverse effects. Social factors (poor housing, low income, etc.) may lead to malnutrition, depression or an exaggerated reaction to disease. It should be pointed out that the principles of rational pharmacotherapy are the same in the elderly as in a younger age group. Decision making in geriatric medicine should be based on potential benefit to the individual.