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.

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.

This issue of Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, guest edited by Seymour Katz, MD, is devoted to Gastroenterology. Articles in this outstanding issue include Constipation: Understanding Mechanisms and Management; Vaccination status/Prophylaxis with GI Diseases; Reflux and Acid Peptic Diseases in Elderly; Anorectal Physiology/Pathophysiology in Elderly; Endoscopic Challenges; Colorectal Cancer of Elderly; Pancreatic Disease; GI Drug Interactions; Microscopic/Collagenous Colitis; Hepatitis B and C; IBD of the Elderly; Imaging Techniques in GI Diseases of Elderly; Dysphagia/Swallowing disorders of Elderly; and Clostridium difficile infection in 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.

As the older adult population continues to grow, so will the prevalence and incidence of age-related disorders. In Handbook of Clinical Nutrition and Aging, Second Edition, the editors and contributors (a panel of recognized academic nutritionists, geriatricians, clinicians and scientists) have thoroughly updated and revised their widely acclaimed first edition with fresh perspectives and the latest scientific and clinical developments in age-associated disease. New chapters tackle ecological perspectives on adult eating behavior, and behavioral theories applied to nutritional therapies in aging, while topics such as Sarcopenia and Cachexia are discussed in greater detail. The authors outline the physiological basis for each disorder, provide the latest information about the interaction of nutrition with these conditions, and review the potential routes and mechanisms for clinical intervention. Timely and authoritative, Handbook of Clinical Nutrition and Aging, Second Edition is a unique, comprehensive resource and will prove a valuable guide to all nutritionists, physicians, nurses, dietitians, and speech-language and occupational therapists who provide care for the rapidly expanding aging population.

This up-to-date resource provides thorough coverage of the rapidly expanding area of geriatric gastroenterology, focusing on unique issues that need to be addressed when treating the elderly patient-including differing incidence of diseases, comorbidity factors, diminished reserve, and therapeutic benefits as life expectancy decreases.