Zoltán Mikeš
In 2008 the number of people older than 60 years was higher by 20 % of whole population in Slovakia. This is the challenge not only for health care but also for the whole society. During aging remarkable changes of structural characteristics of all organs occur, including gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Occurrence of structural changes and disorders of motility of GIT increases. Enzymatic activity of enterocytes decreases; decrease of lactase activity contributes to onset of dyspepsia. In diagnostics and differential diagnostics specificity of elderly people have to be considered, mostly microsymptomatology, mono- and oligosymptomatology of diseases and decrease of sensitivity of visceral pain. Diagnostic process is complicated by frequent incidence of cognitive disorders of the elderly. To ignore these can mislead diagnosis, predominantly in acute abdomen, that could be fatal. The authors underline some situations from the practice with which not only a gastroenterologist can come into the contact but also an internist and a GP.