Alcohol Abuse

Not many studies have been done on alcohol consumption and abuse among the elderly. Some studies abroad show problems in up to 10% of the population over 60 years of age. Consumption of more than two to three drinks daily may not cause clear physical symptoms, but may cause minor changes in personality and general health.

Alcohol affects the memory and causes people to become forgetful and more indiscriminate in their actions. Effects of alcohol abuse   can be alleviated through alcohol rehabilitation programs.

Sudden Cessation of Alcohol Abuse

Sudden cessation of long-term alcohol abuse and changes in food intake may also be detrimental. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, delirium, double-vision, lack of coordination and a wide-based gait develop acutely or subacutely. This is caused by thiamine deficiency (B₁ vitamin). A thiamine injection is important as it cures the condition. Without it, chronic, untreatable Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome will develop.

During Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, the patients may retain their memory of events prior to the Wernicke-Korsakoff condition. But their short-term memory and ability to learn are severely reduced, while judgment and ability to reason are retained. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a syndrome that affects the memory and is not a dementia condition where several functions other than memory are affected.