Epidemiology and diagnosis of alcoholism in the elderly (a review)

Abstract

The authors review the research on alcoholism in the elderly. There is evidence that prevalence studies underestimate its extent. Geriatric alcoholism often eludes detection as diagnostic criteria generally used for the adult may not apply to the elderly population. Issues pertaining to clinical features, classification and pattern of use are discussed.

Screening for problem drinking in the elderly: A study in the elderly mentally ill

“…Research in the 1960s and 1970s identified that abuse of alcohol does occur in this group (Rosin and Glatt, 1971), though it is less common than in younger adults (Warheit and Auth, 1984). Research in the United States and Britain has shown prevalence rates of 413% in community surveys (Meyers et al, 1982;Calahan et al, 1969;Barnes, 1979;Bridgewater et al, 1987), the rate in institutions being much higher, perhaps up to 60% (Caracci and Millar, 1991). Alcohol has been implicated in up to 50% of medical and psychiatric hospital admissions (McCusker et al, 1971;Simon et al, 1968;Gaitz and Bayer, 1971).…”

“…A number of studies have highlighted the need to identify specific symptoms and signs that indicate abuse of alcohol in the elderly (Brody, 1982;Caracci and Millar, 1991;Graham, 1986;Wattis, 198 1). Suggestions include falls, incontinence, selfneglect, accidents, burns, blackouts, debility, confusion.…”

Alcohol abuse in an inner city elderly population: The gospel oak survey

“…Only three subjects were CAGE positive and thus DISCUSSION Our principal finding is of a striking absence of current alcohol abuse in this elderly population, in contrast to studies of elderly populations in North America (Caracci and Miller, 1991). We believe it is important to report this negative finding.…”

“…Finally, the low socioeconomic status of the population may limit availability of alcohol and thus, secondarily, prevent abuse. We favour the last explanation, as careful examination of North American studies reveals that the populations are frequently of high social economic status (Caracci and Miller, 1991).…”

“…Recent editorials and reviews exhorting doctors to greater awareness of drinking problems in the elderly population and emphasizing that these are more common than has been believed (Dunne and Schipperheijm, 1989;Caracci and Miller, 1991), seem to be based mainly on studies in North America, perhaps because of the paucity of reports in the United Kingdom and the conflicting data. Dunne and Schipperheijm suggest that alcohol causes at least 10% of dementias, is associated with reactive depression particularly in the elderly and is important in about a third of suicides of elderly people.…”