Alcohol a factor in cases of abuse towards older adults

• April 20, 2024

Older women are more likely to suffer from abuses to older adults , to have a mental or neurological disorder and to abuse drugs or alcohol, according to a new study published by the newspaper Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Researchers examined data from trauma units in one area of ​​the city of Chicago and compared 41 cases of abuse towards older adults with random patients over 60 years of age (control group) who were previously treated.

Nearly 30% of abused victims were positive in the alcohol test , compared to 13% of the control group. The Alcohol abuse on the part of the perpetrator plays a fundamental role and is associated with the presence ofphysical abuse , the study leader mentioned, Lee Firiedman from the University of Illinois at Chicago. "The study reveals that the Alcohol abuse among victims could also be a contributing factor, "he said.

The victims were more prone to present pre-existing diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's, heart attacks, alcohol abuse, among others.

It was reported that after finishing the treatment, 20 of the abused victims returned to the place where the abuse . In 85% of the cases, the perpetrators of the abuses were family members or their partners.

Friedman points out that it is necessary for doctors responsible for cases of older adults to be trained to recognize victims who suffer from abuse and thus improve their understanding of their conditions.

Source: Yahoo Health News

Video Medicine: Aging and Alcohol Abuse (April 2024).