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Table 1 Age related anatomical & physiological changes and their clinical manifestations

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