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Negative Health effects of alcohol have been in the spotlight since the recent Surgeon General’s consultation, and experts are now warning that older drinkers may be more susceptible to these effects.
As the human body changes with age, so can a person’s tolerance when it comes to drinking alcohol.
“As we age, our lean body mass and the percentage of water in our body decreases,” Dr. Frederick Davis, vice chairman of emergency medicine at Northwell on Long Island, New York, told Fox News Digital.
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“This reduces our ability to metabolize alcohol at the same rate as when we were younger, resulting in less, which causes more impairment.”
Experts warn that older drinkers may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. (iStock)
Some studies have also found that older drinkers may be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol on coordination, reaction time, and memory.
Health experts have warned of the following negative effects of alcohol, which may worsen As people age.
1. Increased risk of cancer
A 2023 study published in the journal Alcohol found that chronic alcohol consumption causes DNA damage and oxidative stress, which can lead to an increased risk of cancer. cardiovascular events and liver disease.
It’s common knowledge that alcohol increases the risk of various cancers, according to Dr. Francis Lee, who treats alcohol-related liver disease at Mount Sinai Health System in New York.
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“Age is a major factor in the development of cancer – and if we can’t stop the aging process, we can control alcohol consumption, which can help reduce the overall risk of developing Different riversHe told Fox News Digital.
Earlier this month, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued an advisory warning about the link between alcohol consumption and certain cancers. Murthy noted that alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver, breast, esophagus, rectum, esophagus, larynx, mouth and throat.
2. Inflammation and insomnia
Alcohol abuse can accelerate age-related changes, including systemic inflammation and Sleep disordersaccording to the same study in the journal Alcohol.
Chronic alcohol consumption in large quantities can promote inflammation throughout the body through a process initiated in the gut.
In addition, the prevalence of insomnia tends to increase with age, and alcohol consumption can make it worse, the researchers said.
A number of studies have shown that although alcohol has an initial sedative effect, it wears off after a few hours and leads to sleep disturbances in the second half of the night.
Sleep deprivation is widely known to affect the general health and well-being.
3. Insufficient nutrition
Older adults should be cautious if alcohol consumption Because of nutritional issues, according to Laura Feldman, a registered dietitian nutritionist and assistant professor of nutrition at the Long Island University campus in Brookville, New York.
Older adults should be careful when drinking alcohol because of nutritional concerns, according to a registered dietitian. (iStock)
“We need more of many vitamins and minerals as we age,” Feldman told Fox News Digital. “When consumed on a long-term basis, alcohol can actually make it more difficult for the body to absorb these nutrients from food.”
4. Deterioration of existing conditions
Some older patients may have underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease and heart disease, several health experts told Fox News Digital.
“Not only can alcohol worsen the progression of these chronic diseases, but it also interacts with medications, potentially increasing the risk of drug-induced liver injury or other unwanted side effects of medications,” Lee said.
“When consumed on a long-term basis, alcohol can make it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food.”
Those who have diabetes Or be mindful of alcohol consumption before diabetes, cautioned Feldman, as it can have a direct effect on blood sugar levels.
Alcohol can also affect bone health, particularly affecting those with osteoporosis.
According to a number of studies, long-term alcohol consumption can interfere with bone growth and bone turnover, which can lead to decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures.
5. Interaction with drugs
An estimated 87% of adults age 65 and over 90% of those over 75 take a prescription drug, according to the 2021-2022 National Health Interview Survey.
A combination of drugs Drinking alcohol can potentially have negative health effects, according to Northwell Health’s Davis.
According to the researchers, the prevalence of insomnia tends to increase with age, and alcohol consumption can make it worse. (iStock)
“Alcohol can interact with a number of medications, making it more difficult to manage and control certain conditions and leading to more side effects,” he told Digital Fox News.
“Avoiding alcohol as we age can reduce these risks and lead to a better chance of a higher quality of life.”
6. Increased sensitivity to pain
Chronic pain is one of the most common and potentially debilitating health problems Facing older adults, research has shown.
Alcohol crosses the blood brain barrier, which plays a role in its depressing and addictive effects.
Alcohol can exacerbate the issue by increasing a person’s sensitivity to pain, some health experts shared with Fox News Digital.
“Chronic pain is a complex signaling process in our brain that is different from acute pain,” Lee said. “Complex neural signaling in chronic pain may be altered and enhanced by alcohol consumption.”
7. Mental and cognitive consequences
Lee explained that alcohol – a known depressant – crosses over easily Blood brain barrierwhich plays a role in its depressing and addictive effects.
Alcohol consumption has also been found to increase the risk of dementia.
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“Alcohol consumption can also worsen cognitive decline by causing memory problems as well as worsening some behavioral problems Like depressionDavis told Fox News Digital.
8. Increased risk of falling
It is known that the risk of falls increases with age. They are the main cause of injuries Adults 65 and olderaccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A fall “can lead to a debilitating injury as we get older,” said Davis, who specializes in emergency medicine.
Earlier this month, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued an advisory warning about the link between alcohol consumption and certain cancers. (iStock)
Impairment of alcohol can affect balance and coordination, making falls more likely, a doctor has warned.
Tips for cutting back
According to Jonathan Davis, CEO of Trualta, a US-based provider of education and support for caregivers.
Approaching the topic with empathy and respect will help build trust in meeting the emotional and physical needs of aging adults, he added.
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“For some older adults, using an alcoholic beverage can provide a sense of normality and autonomy,” Davis told Digital Fox News.
Seeking guidance from a health care provider can help ensure a person understands the potential risks and interactions, he noted.
If a person is struggling with alcohol, experts recommend talking to a health care professional, who can recommend support systems and medications if needed. (iStock)
“Together, caregivers and adults can develop a plan that balances safety with Emotional well-being“
Davis also recommended exploring alternatives to alcoholic beverages, such as mocktails, non-alcoholic beverages or specialty teas that can provide similar pleasure without the risk of alcohol.
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Lee also suggested engaging in activities that don’t usually involve alcohol.
If a person struggles with alcohol, experts recommend talking to health care provider who can recommend support systems and medications if needed.
