Alcohol: A much neglected risk factor in elderly mental disorders

Purpose of review: This review will provide an update on the role that alcohol plays in the presentation and management of mental disorders in the elderly. Recent findings: Recent community surveys from several countries have explored the relationship between the level of alcohol consumption or alcohol use disorder and the concurrence of mental health disorders in the elderly. A consistent finding is that mild to moderate alcohol consumption is protective against the development of dementia in the elderly. In other studies very heavy drinking or alcohol use disorders are associated with functional impairment, depression and suicide. Recent reviews indicate that the relationship between levels of alcohol consumption and problems such as falls and cognitive deterioration remains controversial. The elderly appear to respond to relapse prevention strategies and pharmacotherapy equally as well as those in the younger age groups. Summary: While mild to moderate levels of alcohol consumption have a protective effect on the occurrence of dementia, the concurrence of alcohol use disorders, depression and suicide in the elderly has important implications for prevention and treatment. Pharmacotherapy and relapse prevention strategies should be made available to the elderly with alcohol use disorders.