Identifying and measuring alcohol abuse among the elderly: serious problems with existing instrumentation

Existing instruments for identifying and measuring alcohol abuse are inappropriate for use with elderly populations because of differences between the younger populations on which these measures were standardized and the elderly. Five domains used in measuring alcohol abuse--level of consumption, alcohol-related social and legal problems, alcohol-related health problems, symptoms of drunkenness or dependence and self-recognition of the problem--and the extent to which these domains (as currently measured) apply to elderly populations are discussed. Some recommendations for developing instruments suitable for the elderly are made.