Depression, Anxiety Top Reasons Older Adults Abuse Drugs or Alcohol, Survey Finds
Depression and anxiety are the top reasons older adults abuse drugs or alcohol, according to a study by a Florida drug and alcohol treatment and recovery center.
Category results for "Elderly"
Prescribing Opioids After Minor Surgery May Create Dependence in Some Seniors
Older adults who take opioids after minor surgery are more likely to become long-term opioid users compared with those who don’t receive a painkiller prescription after a minor procedure, suggests a new study.
Study Suggests High Rate of Drinking in Assisted Living Facilities
The rate of drinking among residents in assisted living facilities is high, a new study suggests.
U.S. Government Takes Steps to Reduce Medicare-Related Prescription Drug Abuse
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it will tell Medicare prescription drug plans to withhold payment when they detect signs of suspicious activity related to narcotics and painkillers. The move is aimed at reducing Medicare fraud, Reuters reports.
Financial Stress May Lead Older Adults to Drink and Smoke More
Financial stress may lead older adults to drink and smoke more, according to a study of more than 2,300 adults over the age of 65. Men and people with less education appear to be most likely to drink and smoke in response to money worries.
Medicare Announces Coverage for Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling
Medicare will now cover screening and counseling for alcohol misuse, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced.
Medicare Slow to React to Prescription Drug Abuse, Report Says
Medicare has been slow to react to the prescription drug abuse problem sweeping the nation, according to a new report.
Smokers Twice as Likely as Nonsmokers to Suffer a Stroke
Smokers are twice as likely as nonsmokers to suffer a stroke, a new study finds. Smokers are also likely to have a stroke almost 10 years earlier than nonsmokers.
Elderly at Risk for Prescription Drug Abuse
Elderly patients, who tend to take many medications prescribed by more than one doctor, are at risk for prescription drug abuse, the Miami Herald reports. Health experts are concerned about the increase in the number of patients over age 50 who require intervention and treatment for addiction to medication and other substances.
Study Links Smoking With Brain Changes and Memory Decline
Smoking is an important risk factor in brain shrinkage and a decline in brain function in later years, a new study suggests.
