Abstract
Although an increased prevalence of several common gastrointestinal disorders occurs in the elderly person, aging per se seems to have less direct effect on most gastrointestinal functions, in large part because of the functional reserve of the gastrointestinal tract. Understanding age-related changes in gastrointestinal physiology and effects of common comorbid illnesses enhances the ability to evaluate and treat common, troublesome symptoms, such as dysphagia, anorexia, and disorders of colonic function.
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