Excessive Drinking Prevalent Among the Elderly

Studies over the past decade have shown that excessive drinking as well as binge drinking (drinking more than seven drinks in one week) is commonplace among elderly individuals. While that may seem like a small amount to some, public health professionals are concerned for these senior citizens, who are more sensitive to alcohol than their younger counterparts.  In a recent study of nearly 13,000 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 or older, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that 9 percent (about 1200 people) consumed unhealthy amounts of alcohol. Yet, according to a Pennsylvania State University study, less than half of those who are age 65 and older are diagnosed with alcoholism or alcohol-related problems. 

The NIAAA also revealed that the prevalence of alcoholism is steadily rising among the older population. Considering that the general population is also aging, this may not be surprising that the problems of alcoholism will grow along with them. Yet, here are some staggering revelations that worry public health professionals:

• 6-11 percent of elderly patients admitted to hospitals, 20 percent admitted to mental health facilities, and 14% seen in emergency rooms exhibit some sign of alcoholism.
• Within the hospital setting, rates of alcohol-related admissions of those ages 65 and older are similar to those for heart attacks.
• Incidence rates of hip fractures increase with alcohol consumption.
• Reaction times while driving slow in the elderly, and slow even further when alcohol is added to the mix.
• Moderate to heavy drinkers are 16 times more likely than nondrinkers to die of suicide, which is commonly associated with depression (exasperated by alcohol in the elderly).

Furthermore, alcoholism or alcohol-related problems in senior citizens is associated with poor mental health functioning, loss of physical brain tissue that may result in permanent brain damage, and increased risks of falls and injuries, according to a study done through Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Unfortunately, as people age, their interactions with others are limited; therefore, drinking alone or away from others can often go unnoticed by family and friends. The longer the problem exists, the more damage it can cause.

There are several behaviors that family members and caregivers should watch for to identify signs of elderly alcohol misuse. The National Center of Substance Abuse Treatment has identified 13 key areas to be watchful in senior citizens. These include memory loss (especially after taking medications or a drink), loss of coordination, changes in sleep habits, unexplained bruises, being unsure of themselves, irritability or sadness, unexplained chronic pain, changes in eating habits, an increasing desire to be alone, failing to maintain personal hygiene, difficulty concentrating, unable or unwilling to stay in touch with family and friends, and lack of interest in normal activities.

If any of these signs emerge in an elderly person, the first point of contact is with the person’s primary healthcare physician. Screening tests can be used to determine is alcohol is the culprit for the behaviors or if the cause points toward other health issues. Paying attention to the lives of the senior citizens around you is the key to keeping alcoholism and alcohol abuse from taking the life of a close friend or family member.

References:

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (1998). Alcohol Alert. Retrieved January 14, 2011 from http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa40.htm.

New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. (2011). Elderly alcohol and substance abuse. Retrieved January 14, 2011 from http://www.oasas.state.ny.us/AdMed/FYI/FYIInDepth-Elderly.cfm.

Sacco, P., Bucholz, K. K., & Spitznagel, E. L. (2009). Alcohol use among older adults in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions: A latent class analysis. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, November, 829-838.

Science Daily. (2008). New study sheds light on excessive drinking among the elderly. Retrieved January 14, 2011 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080305173347.htm.