Screening and identification of older adults with alcohol problems in primary care

Primary care physicians can anticipate encountering more elderly patients with alcohol problems since this population is increasing and the prevalence of alcohol problems has been stable. Brief screening tools, originally developed and validated among younger adults, may not be appropriate in the elderly. Therefore, specific validation studies and the development of elderly specific instruments have been reported. The specific goals of this report are to (1) review available screening tools for alcohol problems, (2) summarize elderly focused studies, and (3) provide recommendations for use in primary care. Using a variety of standards, the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye opener) is the most consistent brief screen, but its threshold may need to be adjusted in the elderly. The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Geriatric Version includes elderly-specific consequences, but its length may hinder routine use even in shortened form. Finally, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, although less sensitive than the CAGE, can also capture problem drinkers. Efforts are needed to include elderly-specific consequences and meaningful consumption thresholds in a brief, easily applied screen.