Diagnosis and the dynamics of alcoholism in the elderly

A comprehensive clinical examination of 462 patients (391 men and 71 women) with alcohol addiction has been conducted to identify gender-related characteristics of alcohol addiction in the elderly (over 60 years old) in relation to the time of their first doctor visit. Men and women were split into two groups (less or over 60 years old). It has been established that alcohol addiction in the elderly had gender-related clinical and dynamic differences with regard to the age at onset of alcohol consumption, progress of alcoholism and severity of psychological and social consequences. The identified clinical and dynamic characteristics require active differential treatment and prevention measures.