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Aging and alcohol use disorders: diagnostic issues in the elderly
1Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland.
International Psychogeriatrics
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Alcohol use disorders in older adults are a significant public health issue, particularly affecting men. Current diagnostic tools require validation for this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in older adults are often overlooked by clinicians and researchers.
- Existing literature on geriatric alcohol problems has expanded recently, highlighting the need for better understanding and management.
- Misinformation regarding elderly alcohol problems exists even in foundational diagnostic manuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on geriatric alcohol problems.
- To comment on current research in North American centers.
- To present new findings from a study of over 300 older male alcoholics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of geriatric alcohol problems.
- Commentary on ongoing research at North American institutions.
- Analysis of data from a study involving more than 300 older male individuals with alcoholism.
Main Results:
- Problem drinking is a moderate public health concern in the elderly, especially men.
- Indicators suggest increasing rates of problem drinking in future elderly populations.
- Late-onset alcoholism is common in geriatric cases.
- Many geriatric alcohol use disorder cases are misidentified or undiagnosed.
- Current screening and diagnostic methods for AUDs are not adequately validated for older adults.
Conclusions:
- Geriatric alcohol use disorders represent a significant, yet often hidden, public health issue.
- Late-onset alcoholism and underdiagnosis are prevalent in older populations.
- Validated screening and diagnostic tools are crucial for addressing AUDs in the elderly.