A recent report provides further insight into the nature of drinking amongst older adults as an issue of increasing attention across the UK. Produced by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health, the research explores the complex range of factors and influences affecting drinking in later life, and how retirement and other significant changes can trigger changes in drinking patterns.
Continue reading "Older people's drinking needs to be recognised and not stigmatized" »
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Selected media stories since the January roundup:
Scotland: MSPs have voted down a members bill which would have resulted in a ban on alcohol advertising within 200 metres (656ft) of schools. BBC News
Taxes on alcohol have been branded “a mess” by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which claimed they were responsible for a shrinking share of tax receipts, saying there was “a clear case for reform” of duties on driving and alcohol as they were poorly targeted at problem drinking. Financial Times
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Selected media stories since the December roundup, not including the widely reported change in drinking guidelines:
The NHS faces a ticking timebomb of dementia, brain damage and liver disease due to the heavy drinking of the baby boomer generation, reported the Daily Mail
A study reported in the Daily Mail found that alcohol consumption can increase consumption of unhealthy food via its effects on inhibitory control, although not in highly restrained eaters.
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A new report has been released which calls for further attention to the issue of alcohol harms amongst the over 50s.
The report includes findings from a recent survey that identifies a range of factors associated with risky drinking amongst over the 50s, including: life events such as retirement and bereavement, isolation, and other health and well-being issues including dementia and frailty.
Download 'Drink Wise, Age Well: Alcohol Use and the Over 50s in the UK' [pdf]
Continue reading "'Drink Wise, Age Well: Alcohol Use and the Over 50s in the UK'" »
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In this guest post, Dr Tony Rao, a consultant and visiting researcher in Old Age Psychiatry, considers recent media coverage over drinking and Alzheimer’s disease in the context of the research and his clinical experience.
When I started as consultant old age psychiatrist in an area of high socio-economic deprivation nearly 20 years ago, the thought of taking on the challenge of alcohol related problems in older people couldn’t have been further from my mind.
Continue reading "Alcohol and dementia: Adding insult to injury?" »
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Selected alcohol media reports since the September roundup:
The Scottish government has been praised by the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance for its "political courage" in attempting to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol - BBC News. 'We drink for a good time AND when we're having a sh*t time': SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon says alcohol is 'ever present' in Scottish people's lives - Daily Mail
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New research published in the BMJ has drawn further attention to the issue of alcohol misuse amongst older adults. The study, which looked at drinking amongst a large primary care population, found 21.4% of over 65's drank above the weekly guidelines, especially 'young older’ male drinkers, those born outside the UK and those with higher socio-economic status.
The authors highlight the case for improving identification, treatment and support for older drinkers. Alcohol misuse of course increases the risk of falls as well as many other medical conditions, whilst factors associated with older age may trigger
Continue reading "Further attention on older drinkers needed" »
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Selected July media stories since the June roundup:
Alcohol-fuelled air rage incidents are up 40% from last year... proving a 'floozing' phenomenon is on the rise, said the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile Ryanair has banned passengers from bringing duty free alcohol onto its flights between the UK and Ibiza in an effort to reduce incidences of rowdy behaviour. Telegraph
Just 42 drinkers were responsible for more than 1,000 police call-outs in Portsmouth - ranging from anti-social behaviour to sexual assaults and robberies - as the council defends its Reducing the Strength initiative. The News
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New research published in the BMJ suggests being 'middle class' is linked to higher risk drinking amongst over 50's, attracting national media headlines. The study found factors such as higher educational attainment, being socially active and good ratings of health were associated with higher risk drinking.
Higher risk drinking, referred to as 'harmful drinking' in NICE guidelines, was defined by the study as drinking over 50 units per week in men and over 35 units per week in women.
Continue reading "'Middle class' middle age drinkers most at risk" »
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Alcohol Concern have released a new factsheet highlighting the risks of dementia from heavy drinking.
Download Alcohol & Dementia facthsheet [pdf].
The factsheet reviews the evidence on heavy drinking and the most common forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Although the relationship between alcohol and dementia is debated, Alcohol Concern say it is clear is that long term alcohol use can damage the brain and lead to cognitive impairment.
The factsheet highlights:
Continue reading "Alcohol and dementia risk highlighted by Alcohol Concern" »
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Its editor is Dr James Morris. Got a question? Email us.
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