Peptic ulcer in the elderly--general considerations,definition and classification

People over age 60 constitute a substantial and growing proportion of the population in Japan. So it is important that caregivers need to keep in mind the approach to acid related disease in the elderly. We review the physiologic changes of the gastrointestinal tract and related organs with age, epidemiology, unique clinical features, and special considerations in management of digestive disorders in the elderly. Identifying physiologic changes that can be attributed to aging has proven to be quite difficult. Because normal changes of aging have produced conflicting results of changes due to diseases often found in elderly. In the elderly, the manifestation of peptic ulcer is more likely to be silent. The risk of complications, particularly when consuming NSAIDs, is increased in the elderly. Elderly individuals also poorly tolerate ulcer complications, in large part secondary to a higher risk of associated illness.