Alcohol and Aging
People drink alcohol to cope with loneliness, grief, boredom, depression, feelings of self-worth, and physical problems. It's normal to seek comfort for these problems. However, as people age, their bodies become more sensitive to the effects of drinking alcohol.
Drinking alcohol can worsen some common problems.
Alcohol can add to health problems. It can:
• Worsen one's balance and lead to falls and hip fractures.
• Further worsen a person's eyesight and reflexes; this can lead to traffic accidents.
• Worsen some common medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and ulcers.
Alcohol can also cause problems if a person is taking medication. It can:
• Interact badly with many drugs that are commonly prescribed to older adults.
• Cause harmful side effects or lessen a medication's effectiveness. Click for a list of drugs that can be harmful if they are mixed with alcohol.
Older adults are at a higher risk for depression than younger people. Depression occurs more commonly in people who have medical problems, and often, older people have more medical conditions. Also, medical problems combined with alcohol abuse can lead to depression.
Signs of alcohol use and misuse can also be mistaken as common signs of aging and dementia. Some of the common signs are listed below.
Common Signs of Dementia
• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Trouble concentrating
• Poor coordination
Common Signs of Heavy Alcohol Use
• Impaired thinking
• Problems with judgment
• Forgetfulness and confusion
• Balance problems
Common Signs of Both Dementia and Heavy Alcohol Use
• Mood swings
• Loss of interest in activities
Next: More than a Nightcap
