Alcohol in the elderly.
Although older individuals drink less and report fewer alcohol-related problems than do younger individuals, alcohol use and abuse are significant health issues for older patients. The signs and symptoms of alcohol problems and dependence in the elderly may not only differ from those of young problem drinkers, but may also be present at lower levels of alcohol consumption. Older alcoholics do well in alcohol treatment. Therefore, discussion of alcohol consumption is a critical part of every history and physical examination for all patients, including older individuals.
Dufour
M
M
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, Maryland 20892-7003, USA.
Fuller
R K
RK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010808:Physical Examination; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology