Alcoholism in the elderly

Preview

Few of us think that an elderly person in our life may have a drinking problem, but more than 10% of Americans over age 65 do. Alcoholism is sometimes the reason for confusion, falls, and physical problems that family members may attribute to aging. Recognition can be difficult. These patients often live alone, so behavior changes are not monitored, and many of them take medications that mask or exacerbate the effects of alcohol. The authors explain why the elderly drink, what the consequences are, how to identify the problem, and what immediate and long-term treatment is best.