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Course Description

Course Number 20-762106

     Once thought of as primarily a pediatric problem, food allergy reactions in adults, including elderly adults, are becoming increasingly more common. The variable natural history of elderly patients, coupled with age-related factors and complex pathogenetic mechanisms, can make it difficult for healthcare professionals to identify food allergies in the elderly patient population. This course reviews the underlying mechanisms and clinical features of food allergies in the elderly. Immunosensecence is discussed along with other physiological changes which occur as a natural part of the aging process. Immune system remodeling, changes in the mucosal immune system, immune dysfunction and impairment due to nutritional deficits, and changes in digestive function and the epithelial barrier are analyzed. Risk factors for sensitization to food allergens are also examined along with the clinical features of food allergies in elderly patients.

  • Course Category | Immunology

  • Original Release Date | 01/20/2020

  • Date of Most Recent Review | 01/20/2020

  • Next Review / Course Termination Date | 01/19/2023

Educational Goals & Learning Outcomes

     The goal of this course is to provide participants with information on the prevalence and etiology of food allergies in elderly patients as well as clinical features of food allergies in this patient population. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Assess clinical features of food allergies in the elderly

  • Illustrate immune system remodeling in the elderly

  • Appraise the impact of nutritional deficits on immune dysfunction

  • Evaluate factors which contribute to microbial dysbiosis

  • Appraise contributing causes of epithelial barrier and digestive function impairment

  • Examine the effects of aging on the mucosal immune system

About the Course Author(s)

Massimo De Martinis, Maria M. Sirufo, Angelo Viscido & Lia Ginaldi

Massimo De Martinis, M.D. is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences at the University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy, His education and training includes a degree in medicine and surgery with specialization in internal medicine. Massimo De Martinis has authored or co-authored numerous publications related to: chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, immunodeficiencies and aging; osteoimmunology and bone remodeling in osteoporosis and cancer: clinical and therapeutic implications. To view Massimo De Martinis's full bio click here.

Maria Maddalena Sirufo, M.D. is affiliated with the Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences at the University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy, Her education and training includes a Degree in Medicine. Maria M. Sirufo has authored or co-authored numerous publications including those related to allergies and aging. To view Maria M. Sirufo's full bio click here.

Angelo Viscido, MD, PhD is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Medicine, Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, at the University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy where he specializes in gastroenterology research. In 1992 he received his Degree in Medicine and Surgery (with honors) from the University of L'Aquila, In 1995 he attended the Military Health School at Florence and later served as the Medical Officer for the Command and Tactical Support  "Acqui" Brigade. He received his PhD in Digestive and Metabolic Pathophysiology from the University La Sapienza in Rome in 2004. Angelo Viscido has authored or co-authored numerous publications related to gastroenterogical diseases such as IBD, colitis and Crohn's. To view Angelo Viscido's full bio click here.

Lia Ginaldi, M.D. is affiliated with the University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy, as a full professor in the Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences. Born in Teramo , Italy, she received her Degree in Medicine, from the University of L'Aquila.  She specialized in Medical Oncology, at the University of Modena, and in Clinical Immunology and Allergology at Florence Medical School. At the Royal Marsden Hospital she was a research fellow in the Academic Department of Haematology and Cytogenetics and Institute of Cancer Research. As a professor she has taught both Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology and Allergology, as well as serving as Director of the Clinical Immunology and Allergology Unit.  Some of Lia Ginaldi's research interests include; allergology, immunology, immunopathy and their relationship with aging. To view Angelo Viscido's full bio click here.

Course curriculum