Identifying mechanisms for development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat age-associated constipation and diarrhoea (FODI)

Gastrointestinal discomfort, such as constipation and diarrhoea, are extensive problems among the older population. A well functioning gut is essential in order for older adults to experiencing life-satisfaction and meaningfulness in everyday life. Thus, gastrointestinal problems affect more than just the gut and have a devastating impact on the overall health status.

The overall goal is to identify novel mechanisms associated with constipation and/or diarrhoea that can be used to develop new therapeutic strategies to relieve older adults from gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly the aberrant stool patterns associated with these conditions. More specifically we aim to prove the hypothesis that an unfavourable change in the gut microbiome, together with an increased intake of medications, results in elevated metabolic stress and an altered intestinal barrier with an increased inflammation contributing to age-associated gastrointestinal problems.