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Evaluating and Treating Alcohol Use in Older Adult Patients

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Author/s: 
Frank, Chris, Molnar, Rummell, Sonja, Chan, Peter
Date Added: 
August 4, 2026
Journal/Publication: 
Canadian Family Physician/Le Medecin De Famille Canadien
Publisher: 
College of Family Physicians of Canada
Publication Date: 
July 29, 2026
Issue: 
7-8
Volume: 
72
Pages: 
466-468
URL: 
Evaluating and treating alcohol use in older adult patients
Type: 
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format: 
Article
DOI (1): 
https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.720708466
Keywords 
alcohol use
older adults
cardiovascular disease
MeSH 
alcohol drinking
frailty
aged

RPR Commentary

RPR Commentary: A review of the recognition, assessment, and treatment of older patients who regularly drink alcohol-containing beverages. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

Abstract

Clinical question
How do I evaluate and treat alcohol use in older
adult patients?
Bottom line
Although older adults generally drink less alcohol than
their younger counterparts,1 the consequences of use
are more severe. Older adults are more susceptible to
alcohol-related toxicity due to physiologic changes.2
The health impacts of heavy alcohol intake include
increased risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, liver
disease, cancer, and mortality.3 Acute and chronic
alcohol use contributes to geriatric syndromes, such as
cognitive impairment, falls, frailty, and malnutrition.4

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