ied as at risk drinkers may be in appropriately classified. If this group of older adults is experiencing no physical health functioning deficits because of their drinking, it may be necessary to restructure this classification. Alternatively, a focus on mental health functioning, which appears to be deficient in at risk older drinkers, may be useful in a clinical setting.
What other information might be important to know before making any judgment of the value and importance of this article?
Additional information on the reliability and validity of the measurements used in the study, including the Medical Outcome Study Short Form Health Survey, would be useful. The authors make only a brief reference to the validation of this instrument.
Butler, R. N. (1998). Alcoholism in the later years. Geriatrics, 53 (6), 13รป15.
This article by Butler (1998) consisted of an editorial in which physicians were advised to look for signs and symptoms of alcoholism in older patients and given specific information as to what signs and symptoms were associated with alcoholism among older adults. The author supported his position with data on the percentage of older adults who may experience alcoholism, gender differences among alcoholics, the perceived benefits and risks in drinking, and the necessity of employing a medical history in making a diagnosis of the condition, and the ways in which the problem can be treated.
Butler (1998) concluded that a thorough medical history and targeted questioning can be useful in making a diagnosis of alcoholism among older patients, and that the condition can be treated. These conclusions seem appropriate, given the data provided; further, I agree that alcohol consumption can be beneficial to older individuals, but that care must be taken to ensure that abuse is not present. This brief discussion can also suggest that physicians treating older patients may not be sufficiently aware of the p...