Constipation in Elderly Patients

Abstract

The incidence of constipation appears to increase with increasing age, particularly after the age of 65. There are few data on the age-related physiological changes of colonic and anorectal function; however, anal sphincter pressures are decreased in elderly patients, while colonic transit time does not appear to be altered. The successful management of constipation in elderly patients requires an understanding of colorectal function, careful characterisation of the patient's complaint, and in selected patients, specialised studies of colonic and anorectal function. The cause of constipation in elderly patients is often multifactorial and may include inactivity, inappropriate diet, depression and confusion, certain medications, and neuromuscular disorders. The treatment of chronic constipation should be based on the nature of the complaint and the presumed pathophysiological mechanisms at work in each patient. Treatment will be based on one or more strategies including dietary changes, laxatives, and in carefully defined cases, surgery.

Microbial–Mammalian Cometabolites Dominate the Age-associated Urinary Metabolic Phenotype in Taiwanese and American Populations

“…49 Conditions such as constipation and slow gut transit times are also more prevalent in the elderly and may lead to increased usage of various medications for chronic symptoms. 50 Elderly people are more likely than younger people to be the recipients of drug therapy of many classes, including ones that affect the gut microbiome (e.g., elderly, defined as >65 years, comprise approximately 13% of the U.S.A. population, but are the recipients of >40% of all prescription drugs 51 ). Laxatives, antibiotics, and calcium channel blockers commonly lead to side-effects such as diarrhea, malabsorption and constipation.…”

Ageing of the human metaorganism: the microbial counterpart

“…Constipation is more common with increasing age and is caused by inactivity, inappropriate diet, depression and confusion, certain medications and neuromuscular disorders (Wald 1993). Commonly this is treated with laxatives but ideally the consumption of whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables should be increased (Slavin 2008).…”

Standpoints of Traditional Persian Physicians on Geriatric Nutrition

“…Examples of these foods are Vitis vinifera L. and Juglans regia L. Based on the theory of the change in the temperament during aging, daily recommended food exhibited laxative and gastrointestinal tonic properties to improve the weak intestinal movement in the elderly. 23,24 Moreover, early Persian physicians have noted that food for the elderly should be served in low amounts, but be of high quality, and meals be served more number of times. The elderly have complications in chewing concerned with impaired teeth or presence of dentures.…”