The interaction of alcohol with medication the patient is taking may also be significant. Alcohol interacts with at least half of the 100 most frequently prescribed drugs the elderly patient takes. They may deny that the patient has a drinking problem, or be reluctant to make a diagnosis, because they are uncertain about how to treat the disease or because they question whether treatment is likely to be successful with this age group. As with any other patient being assessed for excessive drinking or alcoholism, the physician should take the elderly patient s general medical history, inquire about past and present alcohol and other drug use, ask about living conditions and relationships with family and friends, and make a thorough physical examination with laboratory tests as needed. Bruises, abrasions, and scars in locations which might suggest frequent falls, physical altercations, or other violent behavior.
Cigarette burns on the fingers.
Flushed or florid faces, and other dermatological involvement. Nystagmus or amblyopia. Hypertension, particularly systolic. Hypertension, particularly systolic. Gastrointestinal or other bleeding.