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Related Experiment Videos

Alcohol related problems in elderly people--a prospective study

B Farragher1, M Wrigley, R Veluri

  • 1Department of Psychiatry of Old Age, James Connolly Memorial hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin.

Irish Medical Journal
|November 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Elderly individuals often hide alcohol abuse, making diagnosis challenging. This study found loneliness and late-onset drinking are significant factors in older adults with alcohol-related problems.

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Area of Science:

  • Geriatrics
  • Psychiatry
  • Addiction Medicine

Background:

  • Alcohol-related problems in the elderly are frequently underdiagnosed due to denial and non-specific symptoms.
  • Older adults present unique challenges in identifying alcohol abuse and dependence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine factors associated with alcohol abuse in elderly individuals referred to a psychiatry of old age service.
  • To identify the prevalence and characteristics of alcohol-related problems in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • A six-month prospective study of 150 elderly patients referred to a specialized psychiatric service.
  • Patients were screened for alcohol-related psychiatric, physical, and social issues.
  • Data collected included denial of alcohol abuse history, gender, onset of drinking, and contributing factors like loneliness.

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Main Results:

  • 15% (23 out of 150) of referred patients had alcohol-related problems.
  • Over half (52%) of these patients denied a history of alcohol abuse or dependence.
  • Loneliness was a significant factor in 43% of cases, and a majority were female, with many being late-onset drinkers.

Conclusions:

  • Elderly individuals are vulnerable to the detrimental effects of alcohol.
  • Alcohol abuse in the elderly often presents with denial and requires specialized screening and intervention.
  • A substantial number of patients required psychiatric follow-up due to alcohol-related issues.