Effects Of Alcohol Abuse On Elderly People - 919 Words

Consuming alcoholic beverages affects almost every cell, organ, and tissue in the body. This is especially true for seniors who are especially vulnerable to its toxic effects. It is common for elderly people to have impaired immunity and metabolism. Alcohol abuse is more likely to create new health problems or aggravate some of the health conditions that they already have (Nadkarni, Acosta, Rodriguez, Prince, Ferri, 2011). Older people may not realize that their current pattern of heavy drinking may be detrimental or dangerous because even low levels of alcohol consumption can cause a potential health risk especially in elderly people (Nadkarni, Acosta, Rodriguez, Prince, Ferri, 2011). Also, alcohol abuse can be complicated when seniors take prescription and over-the-counter medications which when combined can frequently result in major adverse reactions. Ulcers, malnutrition, diabetes, nephron loss, osteoarthritis and loss of bone density, obesity, and nutritional deficiencies are just a few of the physical effects of alcohol abuse in older people (Dawoodi De Sousa, 2012). Alcohol abuse by elderly individuals for 5 years or more increases the risk of having psychiatric problems such as dementia, excluding Alzheimer’s disease (Nadkarni, Acosta, Rodriguez, Prince, Ferri, 2011). But, the most common health problem associated with alcoholism is liver toxicity which occurs when the liver is no longer able to metabolize ethanol (Dawoodi De Sousa, 2012). Alcohol abuseShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse Among The Elderly1473 Words   |  6 Pageswithin the elderly population is that of substance abuse as it pertains to the increasing numbers of substance abusers, and/or the increasing rates of substance abuse among the elderly population. 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