From: Non-neoplastic disorders in an aging gut: concise review
Age-related anatomical changes | Physiological effects | Clinical manifestation |
---|---|---|
Oropharynx & foregut | ||
 ↓ Nerve fibers in the olfactory bulb & olfactory receptors | Reduced perception of taste & smell | Dysgeusia (distorted ability to smell & taste) |
 Diminution of maxillary & mandibular bones with gradual erosion of tooth sockets | Gum recession & teeth loss | ↓Chewing capacity leading to Inadequate food consumption |
 ↓ Salivary secretion | Dry mouth | Xerostomia (dry mouth). Severity increases with reduced fluid consumption & increased drug usage |
 ↓Esophageal peristalsis | ↑ Transit time of food | Increase chances of GERD Increased likelihood of aspiration |
 ↓ Tensile strength of UES & LES | Esophageal conduit dysfunction | |
 ↓ Elasticity of stomach wall | ↓ Storage capacity of stomach | Decreased oral intake, ↑ risk of under nutrition |