2024 Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 3-11
The percentage of Japan's total population aged 65 and over is 29.0%. This is the so-called "super-aging society. " Pancreatic diseases such as acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and autoimmune pancreatitis are observed even in the elderly. It has been pointed out that screening tests are difficult because subjective symptoms manifest differently in elderly and non-elderly people, and testing is limited by underlying diseases and medications. On the other hand, due to advances in medical technology in recent years, the target age group for pancreatic diseases, including surgery and chemotherapy, is increasing, and the significance of safely and reliably diagnosing elderly patients is increasing. It is important to thoroughly understand the physiological changes in the pancreas associated with aging, determine the suitability of tests, and then select minimally invasive and safe screening tests and methods of diagnosis for the elderly.
