Problèmes d'alcool chez les personnes âgées

The prevalence of alcohol use disorders in elderly people is generally considered to be lower than in younger people. However, the aging of the population means that the absolute number of older people with alcohol problems is on the rise. Alcohol use disorders are commonly underestimated in the elderly for various reasons (diagnostic criteria used, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, awareness of healthcare workers…). Alcohol misuse is associated with significant impairments in social, physical, psychological and cognitive health. Older people are more vulnerable to harm at lower levels of consumption than younger people. Information on the use of abstinence medications in elderly people is limited. Inpatient detoxification is recommended for elderly people.