Gastric Emptying in the Elderly

Stijn Soenen*, Chris K. Rayner, Michael Horowitz, Karen L. Jones

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleResearchpeer-review

60 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aging is characterized by a diminished homeostatic regulation of physiologic functions, including slowing of gastric emptying. Gastric and small intestinal motor and humoral mechanisms in humans are complex and highly variable: ingested food is stored, mixed with digestive enzymes, ground into small particles, and delivered as a liquefied form into the duodenum at a rate allowing efficient digestion and absorption. In healthy aging, motor function is well preserved whereas deficits in sensory function are more apparent. The effects of aging on gastric emptying are relevant to the absorption of oral medications and the regulation of appetite, postprandial glycemia, and blood pressure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)339-353
Number of pages15
JournalClinics in Geriatric Medicine
Volume31
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2015
Externally publishedYes

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