BMJ  2003;327 (20 September), doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7416.0-c

Better detection and treatment of alcohol use in elderly people is needed

Alcohol misuse among elderly people is widely undetected and misdiagnosed, and this has led to the emergence of a "silent epidemic." In a clinical review, O'Connell and colleagues (p 664) highlight the key issues relating to alcohol use disorders within the elderly population. They outline the reasons for underdetection and misdiagnosis, suggest how to improve detection rates, and recommend treatments. Alcohol use disorders as they affect older people must be redefined, say the authors, with increased emphasis on aspects specific to elderly patients.

Credit: DIANE KOSUP/PHOTONICA

Related Article

Alcohol use disorders in elderly people—redefining an age old problem in old age

Henry O'Connell, Ai-Vyrn Chin, Conal Cunningham, and Brian Lawlor
BMJ 2003 327: 664-667. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]