Stomach

Atrophic gastritis is a stomach disorder that is unique to the elderly. It involves a shrinking and inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. While it may not cause any symptoms, it can increase the risk for stomach cancer. While this was once thought to be a normal process of aging, more recent evidence indicates that it is caused by a prolonged infestation with helicobactor pylori (H. pylori) or campylobactor pylori (C. Pylori), which is common in older adults.

Achlorhydria refers to an insufficient production of stomach acid. It may be caused by atrophic gastritis. The National Academy of Sciences estimates that up to 30% of people over age 50 have achlorhydria. Achlorhydria is the most common cause of B12 deficiency. The stomach must secrete adequate amounts of gastric acid and a protein known as "intrinsic factor" as well as produce the digestive enzyme pepsin for vitamin B12 to be absorbed. Changes in the G.I. tract can affect absorption of vitamin B12. Since the liver is able to store large amounts of B12 it can take up to 5 years before symptoms of deficiency appear. However, it's important to recognize symptoms early since any neurological damage may be irreversible. Symptoms of B12 deficiency can be misdiagnosed since they can look like Alzheimer's or other chronic condition. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, dementia, confusion, and tingling and weakness in the arms and legs.

Ulcers. About 20 million Americans suffer from an ulcer during their lifetime. An ulcer is an area of the stomach that has been eroded by digestive juices and stomach acid. Normally, the lining of the stomach and duodenum (small bowel) are protected from the digestive juices of the stomach. The most common symptom of an ulcer is a burning pain in the abdomen. The pain can last minutes to hours and often occurs between meals. The pain may be relieved by eating food or taking antacids.

Gastric ulcers (ulcers in the stomach) are more common after the age of 60 and can be benign or malignant. Duodenal ulcers are more common between the ages of 30 and 50 and are twice as common among men. Duodenal ulcers are always benign. There are two major causes of ulcers. Most ulcers are caused by an infestation of H. pylori, this bacterium can also reduce absorption of vitamin B12. Another cause of ulcers is regular use of pain medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which irritate the stomach. Antibiotics can permanently cure 80 to 90 percent of peptic ulcers. The healing of an ulcer usually requires medication (e.g., Tagamet) to block production of stomach acid.