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Carr S, Bryazka D, McLaughlin SA, Zheng P, Bahadursingh S, Aravkin AY, Hay SI, Lawlor HR, Mullany EC, Murray CJL, Nicholson SI, Rehm J, Roth GA, Sorensen RJD, Lewington S, Gakidou E. A burden of proof study on alcohol consumption and ischemic heart disease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4082. [PMID: 38744810 PMCID: PMC11094064 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47632-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cohort and case-control data have suggested an association between low to moderate alcohol consumption and decreased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), yet results from Mendelian randomization (MR) studies designed to reduce bias have shown either no or a harmful association. Here we conducted an updated systematic review and re-evaluated existing cohort, case-control, and MR data using the burden of proof meta-analytical framework. Cohort and case-control data show low to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with decreased IHD risk - specifically, intake is inversely related to IHD and myocardial infarction morbidity in both sexes and IHD mortality in males - while pooled MR data show no association, confirming that self-reported versus genetically predicted alcohol use data yield conflicting findings about the alcohol-IHD relationship. Our results highlight the need to advance MR methodologies and emulate randomized trials using large observational databases to obtain more definitive answers to this critical public health question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinclair Carr
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Dana Bryazka
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Susan A McLaughlin
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peng Zheng
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarasvati Bahadursingh
- Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Aleksandr Y Aravkin
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Simon I Hay
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hilary R Lawlor
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Erin C Mullany
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher J L Murray
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sneha I Nicholson
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science (IMS), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- World Health Organization / Pan American Health Organization Collaborating Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gregory A Roth
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Reed J D Sorensen
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah Lewington
- Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Emmanuela Gakidou
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Predictors of 49-month mortality in Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians in PLAD study. Aging Clin Exp Res 2015; 27:821-7. [PMID: 25847189 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-015-0355-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether a set of well-known predictors of mortality in younger elderly also maintain their importance in Chinese oldest old group. DESIGN A cross-sectional study of 1401 inhabitants aged 90 and older were conducted in the area of Dujiangyan, China. 825 subjects participated and were followed up for vital status after 49 months. Professional interviewers collected baseline data concerning socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, physical factors and geriatric assessment. Bivariate analysis was conducted between survivors and deceased. Cox regression models were used to evaluate predictors of mortality. RESULTS Four hundred and thirty-six (52.8%) of 825 participants eligible for the analysis died during the 49 months of follow-up period. Older age, comorbidity, lower MMSE score, lower ADL and IADL scores increased the risk of mortality in the study group. Multivariate analyses showed older age (HR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.07) and comorbidity (HR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.17) were associated with mortality while female gender (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.43-0.86), taking exercise (HR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.64-1.01) and higher MMSE scores (HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99) showed a positive effect on survival. CONCLUSION In Chinese nonagenarians and centenarians, age, gender, taking exercise, cognitive impairment and comorbidity at baseline show predictive power of oldest old mortality.
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An Expanding Knowledge of the Mechanisms and Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Cardiovascular Disease. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2014; 34:159-71. [DOI: 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Wang C, Xue H, Wang Q, Hao Y, Li D, Gu D, Huang J. Effect of drinking on all-cause mortality in women compared with men: a meta-analysis. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2014; 23:373-81. [PMID: 24611563 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2013.4414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcoholic beverages are consumed by humans for a variety of dietary, recreational, and other reasons. It is uncertain whether the drinking effect on risk of all-cause mortality is different between women and men. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of drinking on the risk of all-cause mortality in women compared with men. METHODS We selected cohort studies with measures of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for all-cause mortality for drinkers versus nondrinkers by sex. Sex-specific RR and 95% CI were used to estimate the female-to-male ratio of RR (RRR) and 95% CI. Pooled estimates of RRR across studies were obtained by the fixed-effects model or the random-effects model (if heterogeneity was detected). Second-order fractional polynomials and random effects meta-regression models were used for modeling the dose-risk relationship. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were considered eligible. A total of 2,424,964 participants (male: 1,473,899; female: 951,065) were enrolled and 123,878 deaths (male: 76,362; female: 47,516) were observed. Compared with nondrinkers, the pooled female-to-male RRR for drinkers was 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.12). Subgroup analyses showed that the increased risk among female drinkers appeared to be consistent. J-shaped dose-response relationship was confirmed between alcohol and all-cause mortality in men and women, respectively. Moreover, the female-to-male RRR of all-cause mortality were 1.52 (95% CI: 1.01, 2.29), 1.95 (95% CI: 1.08, 3.49), and 2.36 (95% CI: 1.15, 4.88), respectively, for those who consumed 75, 90, and 100 g/day of alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Females had an increased risk for all-cause mortality conferred by drinking compared with males, especially in heavy drinkers. The present study suggested that female drinkers, particularly heavy drinkers, should moderate or completely reduce their level of consumption to have a health benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Department of Evidence Based Medicine, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College , Beijing, China
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Ronksley PE, Brien SE, Turner BJ, Mukamal KJ, Ghali WA. Association of alcohol consumption with selected cardiovascular disease outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2011; 342:d671. [PMID: 21343207 PMCID: PMC3043109 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.d671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1043] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the effect of alcohol consumption on multiple cardiovascular outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES A search of Medline (1950 through September 2009) and Embase (1980 through September 2009) supplemented by manual searches of bibliographies and conference proceedings. Inclusion criteria Prospective cohort studies on the association between alcohol consumption and overall mortality from cardiovascular disease, incidence of and mortality from coronary heart disease, and incidence of and mortality from stroke. Studies reviewed Of 4235 studies reviewed for eligibility, quality, and data extraction, 84 were included in the final analysis. RESULTS The pooled adjusted relative risks for alcohol drinkers relative to non-drinkers in random effects models for the outcomes of interest were 0.75 (95% confidence interval 0.70 to 0.80) for cardiovascular disease mortality (21 studies), 0.71 (0.66 to 0.77) for incident coronary heart disease (29 studies), 0.75 (0.68 to 0.81) for coronary heart disease mortality (31 studies), 0.98 (0.91 to 1.06) for incident stroke (17 studies), and 1.06 (0.91 to 1.23) for stroke mortality (10 studies). Dose-response analysis revealed that the lowest risk of coronary heart disease mortality occurred with 1-2 drinks a day, but for stroke mortality it occurred with ≤1 drink per day. Secondary analysis of mortality from all causes showed lower risk for drinkers compared with non-drinkers (relative risk 0.87 (0.83 to 0.92)). CONCLUSIONS Light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk of multiple cardiovascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Ronksley
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Calgary Institute for Population and Public Health, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Abstract
Alcohol use disorders cause significant morbidity and mortality in the geriatric population. This review article begins with a hypothetical case for illustration, asking what the primary care physician could do for a geriatric patient with alcohol abuse over a course of four office visits. Various aspects of alcohol use disorders in the geriatric population are reviewed, such as range of alcohol use, epidemiology, medical/psychiatric impact, detection, comprehensive treatment planning, modalities of psychotherapy, medication management, and resources for clinicians/patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj K Kalapatapu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Balsa AI, French MT, Maclean JC, Norton EC. From pubs to scrubs: alcohol misuse and health care use. Health Serv Res 2009; 44:1480-503. [PMID: 19500163 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2009.00987.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the relationships between alcohol misuse and two types of acute health care use-hospital admissions and emergency room (ER) episodes. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING The first (2001/2002) and second (2004/2005) waves of the National Epidemiological Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal study using a group of adults (18-60 years in Wave 1, N=23,079). Gender-stratified regression analysis adjusted for a range of covariates associated with health care use. First-difference methods corrected for potential omitted variable bias. DATA COLLECTION The target population of the NESARC was the civilian noninstitutionalized population aged 18 and older residing in the United States and the District of Columbia. The survey response rate was 81 percent in Wave 1 (N=43,093) and 65 percent in Wave 2 (N=34,653). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Frequent drinking to intoxication was positively associated with hospital admissions for both men and women and increased the likelihood of using ER services for women. Alcohol dependence and/or abuse was related to higher use of ER services for both genders and increased hospitalizations for men. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide updated and nationally representative estimates of the relationships between alcohol misuse and health care use, and they underscore the potential implications of alcohol misuse on health care expenditures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Balsa
- Department of Sociology, Sociology Research Center, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Arve S, Savikko N, Lavonius S, Lehtonen A, Isoaho H. Physical functioning, health and survival: a ten-year follow-up study. Aging Clin Exp Res 2006; 18:367-73. [PMID: 17167300 DOI: 10.1007/bf03324832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cutbacks in human resources are putting home care personnel under increasing pressure in their work. Home health care personnel need to know how they can prevent undesirable conditions and support older people towards successful aging. The aim of this ten-year follow-up study was to identify factors associated with increased mortality among 70-year-old subjects living in the community. METHODS Data were collected in 1991 by a postal questionnaire sent to all residents of Turku, Finland, born in 1920. A physical examination was also conducted. Ten years later, in 2001, the mortality rate of this population was determined. The data were examined statistically. RESULTS Many health-related factors, such as smoking, poor subjective health, and mobility, were related to an increased level of mortality. In addition, several diseases (e.g., diabetes, angina pectoris, cancer) at age 70 were associated with increased mortality over ten years. Difficulties in daily activities at age 70 also increased the risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS The findings offer useful clues for planning health care services and preventive interventions provided by home health care personnel. Home health care personnel should give special attention to older people who feel ill or very ill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seija Arve
- Turku City Hospital, Kunnallissairaalantie 20, FIN-20700 Turku, Finland.
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Reid MC, Boutros NN, O'Connor PG, Cadariu A, Concato J. The health-related effects of alcohol use in older persons: a systematic review. Subst Abus 2002; 23:149-64. [PMID: 12444348 DOI: 10.1080/08897070209511485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Increased alcohol consumption is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in young and middle-aged adult populations, but its effects on the health of older adults have received less attention. The objective of the study was to review published studies that assessed the effects of alcohol on falls or fall injuries, functional impairment, cognitive impairment, and all-cause mortality among older adults. MEDLINE database and bibliographies of selected citations were searched for English language studies published between 1966 and 1998 that examined the relationship between alcohol and one or more of the above outcomes. Also a study was analyzed if it included participants 60 years of age or older, or a broader age range of participants and reported results for older subgroups, or predominantly older participants as evidenced by a mean age of 65 years of age or above. Information on studies' sample sizes, exposure and outcome measures, and risk estimates were extracted, and articles were evaluated for methodologic quality using predetermined criteria. Eighty-four studies were identified that examined 91 potential exposure-outcome associations including falls or fall injuries (n = 26); functional impairment (n = 13); cognitive impairment (n = 32); and all-cause mortality (n = 20). The percentage of studies demonstrating harm, no association, or benefit by outcome included falls (15% vs. 81% vs. 4%); functional disability (38% vs. 46% vs. 16%); cognitive impairment (31% vs. 66% vs. 3%); and all-cause mortality (15% vs. 65% vs. 20%). Studies (n = 84) inconsistently adhered to methodologic standards. Although 90% provided eligibility criteria; 61% cited participation rates; and 73% described the methods used to measure alcohol exposure; only 44% adjusted for potentially important confounding factors; and 26% distinguished former drinkers from nondrinkers. Of the cohort studies (n = 47), 30% assessed for change in participants' exposure status over time, and 17% determined whether losses to follow-up varied by exposure status. The magnitude of risk posed by alcohol use for falls or fall injuries, functional disability, cognitive impairment, and all-cause mortality among older adults remains uncertain. Prospective studies are needed to better define the health-related effects of alcohol use in older populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Carrington Reid
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA.
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Di Castelnuovo A, Rotondo S, Iacoviello L, Donati MB, De Gaetano G. Meta-analysis of wine and beer consumption in relation to vascular risk. Circulation 2002; 105:2836-44. [PMID: 12070110 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000018653.19696.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many epidemiological studies have evaluated whether different alcoholic beverages protect against cardiovascular disease. We performed a meta-analysis of 26 studies on the relationship between wine or beer consumption and vascular risk. Methods and Results- General variance-based method and fitting models were applied to pooled data derived from 26 studies that gave a quantitative estimation of the vascular risk associated with either beverage consumption. From 13 studies involving 209 418 persons, the relative risk of vascular disease associated with wine intake was 0.68 (95% confidence interval, 0.59 to 0.77) relative to nondrinkers. There was strong evidence from 10 studies involving 176 042 persons to support a J-shaped relationship between different amounts of wine intake and vascular risk. A statistically significant inverse association was found up to a daily intake of 150 mL of wine. The overall relative risk of moderate beer consumption, which was measured in 15 studies involving 208 036 persons, was 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.70 to 0.86). However, no significant relationship between different amounts of beer intake and vascular risk was found after meta-analyzing 7 studies involving 136 382 persons. CONCLUSIONS These findings show evidence of a significant inverse association between light-to-moderate wine consumption and vascular risk. A similar, although smaller association was also apparent in beer consumption studies. The latter finding, however, is difficult to interpret because no meaningful relationship could be found between different amounts of beer intake and vascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Di Castelnuovo
- Department of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Santa Maria Imbaro, Italy
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Allison PJ. Alcohol consumption is associated with improved health-related quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. Oral Oncol 2002; 38:81-6. [PMID: 11755825 DOI: 10.1016/s1368-8375(01)00031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The study aim was to investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in post-therapeutic head and neck cancer patients. A cross-sectional study design was used with a sample of 191 subjects. Data were collected through interview and chart review. Alcohol consumption was evaluated through the dichotomous response to the question "During the past month have you drunk alcohol on one or more occasions?" HRQL was evaluated through the EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35 instruments. Data were also collected concerning sociodemographic and clinical variables. Multivariate regression was used to evaluate the hypothesized association. Of 28 domains comprising the EORTC QLQ-C30 and H&N35 instruments, eight were significantly associated with alcohol consumption, while 19 of the 20 remaining domains showed a tendency towards an association. Alcohol drinking was associated with significantly better physical and role functioning, and better global HRQL, plus less fatigue, pain, problems swallowing, dry mouth and feelings of illness. This suggests that, while the study findings are limited by its design and the sample bias, despite alcohol's role as an aetiological factor, it may be reasonable to drink a little as one recovers from head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Allison
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 740, Docteur Penfield, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1A4.
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Ganry O, Baudoin C, Fardellone P, Dubreuil A. Alcohol consumption by non-institutionalised elderly women: the EPIDOS Study. Public Health 2001; 115:186-91. [PMID: 11429713 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ph.1900757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of alcohol use declines with age, but studies suggest that between 2% and 4% of the elderly population have a particularly high alcohol consumption. The objective of this study was to verify or refute this finding and identify clinical or social characteristics associated with alcohol consumption. We measured alcohol consumption by autoquestionnaire in 7575 women, aged 75 or older, recruited at five centers in France. The alcohol consumption was computed taking account of the number of beer, wine or liquor (or spirits) drinks consumed per day. The mean age of the respondents was 80+/-6 y. Forty percent used some alcohol and 2.5% drank more than 30 grams per day. Smoking, good health status, higher socioeconomic status or single marital status were factors whose percentages increased significantly with increasing alcohol use. Despite the advanced age of this population, regular alcohol intake was prevalent but not heavy and abusive consumption drinking. Drinking appears to be associated with some medical or social characteristics and possibly with better health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Ganry
- Department of Medical Information and Epidemiology, University Hospital, Place Pauchet, 80 054 Amiens Cedex 1, France
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Dent OF, Grayson DA, Waite LM, Cullen JS, Creasey H, Bennett HP, Casey BJ, Broe GA. A Longitudinal Study of Alcohol Consumption and Functional Disability in a Community Sample of Older People. Australas J Ageing 2000. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2000.tb00233.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Simons LA, McCallum J, Friedlander Y, Ortiz M, Simons J. Moderate alcohol intake is associated with survival in the elderly: the Dubbo Study. Med J Aust 2000; 173:121-4. [PMID: 10979375 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2000.tb125562.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between alcohol intake and survival in elderly people. DESIGN AND SETTING A prospective study over 116 months of non-institutionalised subjects living in Dubbo, a rural town (population, 34,000) in New South Wales. PARTICIPANTS 1235 men and 1570 women aged 60 years and over who were first examined in 1988-89. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES All-causes mortality; gross cost of alcohol per life-year gained. RESULTS Death occurred in 450 men and 392 women. Intake of alcohol was generally moderate (i.e., less than 14 drinks/week). Any intake of alcohol was associated with reduced mortality in men up to 75 years and in women over 64 years. In a proportional hazards model, the hazard ratio for mortality in men taking any alcohol was 0.63 (95% CI, 0.47-0.84) and in women was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.60-0.94). Cardiovascular deaths in men were reduced from 20/100 (95% CI, 14-26) to 11/100 (95% CI, 9-13) and in women from 16/100 (95% CI, 13-19) to 8/100 (95% CI, 6-10). The reduction in mortality occurred in men and women taking only 1-7 drinks/week--hazard ratios, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.49-0.94) and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.61-0.99), respectively, with a similar protective effect from intake of beer or other forms of alcohol. After almost 10 years' follow-up, men taking any alcohol lived on average 7.6 months longer, and women on average 2.7 months longer, compared with non-drinkers. The gross cost for alcohol per life-year gained if consuming 1-7 drinks/week was $5700 in men, and $19,000 in women. CONCLUSIONS Moderate alcohol intake in the elderly appears to be associated with significantly longer survival in men 60-74 years and in all elderly women.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Simons
- University of New South Wales Lipid Research Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
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Dent OF, Grayson DA, Waite LM, Cullen JS, Creasey H, Broe GA. Alcohol consumption in a community sample of older people. Aust N Z J Public Health 2000; 24:323-6. [PMID: 10937413 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-842x.2000.tb01577.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence and pattern of alcohol use among community-living elderly Australians. METHODS A survey was conducted of randomly selected non-institutionalised people aged 75 years and older living in the inner western suburbs of Sydney. Personal interviews by trained interviewers covered background demographic information and self-reported alcohol use. RESULTS 72% of men and 54% of women drank alcohol. The median usual daily volume of ethanol consumed by drinkers was 10 grams for men and 1.3 grams for women. However 11% of male drinkers and 6% of female drinkers consumed at defined hazardous or harmful levels. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Although a sizeable majority of these older people were either non-drinkers or very light drinkers, a small but important proportion drank in the hazardous to harmful range. Despite increasing evidence of the health benefits of alcohol consumption it remains important to be alert for potentially harmful alcohol use among older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- O F Dent
- Department of Sociology, Australian National University, Canberra.
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Meister KA, Whelan EM, Kava R. The health effects of moderate alcohol intake in humans: an epidemiologic review. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2000; 37:261-96. [PMID: 10894186 DOI: 10.1080/10408360091174222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A large body of scientific evidence associates the moderate intake of alcohol with reduced mortality among middle-aged and older people in industrialized societies. This association is due largely to a reduced risk of death from coronary heart disease, which appears to outweigh any possible adverse effects of moderate drinking. The regular consumption of small amounts of alcohol is more healthful than the sporadic consumption of larger amounts. No beneficial effect of moderate drinking on mortality has been demonstrated in young adults (premenopausal women and men who have not reached their forties). It is theoretically possible that moderate drinking in young adulthood might reduce the risk of later heart disease; however, this has not been clearly demonstrated. For some individuals (e.g., those who cannot keep their drinking moderate, pregnant women, and those who are taking medications that may interact adversely with alcoholic beverages), the risks of alcohol consumption, even in moderation, outweigh any potential benefits. Because even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, no one should drink alcoholic beverages, even in moderation, before driving a motor vehicle or performing other activities that involve attention and skill.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Meister
- American Council on Science and Health, New York, NY, USA
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McCarty MF. The insulin-sensitizing activity of moderate alcohol consumption may promote leanness in women. Med Hypotheses 2000; 54:794-7. [PMID: 10859689 DOI: 10.1054/mehy.1999.0953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cross-sectional epidemiology reveals that women who drink alcohol regularly and moderately, on average, tend to have a decidedly lower body-mass index (BMI) than non-drinking women, despite slightly higher caloric intakes. In men, moderate drinkers are no heavier than non-drinkers, yet they consume considerably more calories. The thermogenic effect which this implies is not explained by the modest acute thermic effect of ethanol ingestion. However, there is indirect evidence that regular alcohol consumption has an insulin-sensitizing effect on skeletal muscle that down-regulates insulin secretion. Decreased insulin activity on adipocytes and the liver may discourage fat storage and promote hepatic mechanisms of ketogenesis, gluconeogenesis, and associated thermogenesis, thus possibly accounting for the relative leanness of female drinkers. The possibility that prescribing moderate alcohol intake could aid weight control in non-drinking overweight females should receive clinical evaluation. The impact of moderate drinking on risk for diabetes in women appears to be quite dramatic.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The regular consumption of alcohol in moderate amounts (defined in North America as up to 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for females) has been recognized in the last decade as a negative risk factor for atherosclerosis and its clinical sequelae: coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Mortality and morbidity attributable to CHD are 40-60% lower in moderate drinkers than among abstainers. Among the mechanisms accounting for these reductions, increased circulating concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and inhibition of blood coagulation appear to be paramount. Additional benefits are, in certain beverages, conferred by the presence of constituents other than alcohol (e.g., flavonoids and hydroxystilbenes), which prevent oxidative damage, free radical formation, and elements of the inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS A number of other diseases appear to be beneficially modulated by moderate alcohol consumption based on epidemiologic surveys and, in some instances, experimental evidence. These include duodenal ulcer, gallstones, enteric infections, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and diabetes mellitus (type II). Compared with abstainers, moderate drinkers exhibit improved mental status characterized by decreased stress and depression, lower absenteeism from work, and decreased incidence of dementia (including Alzheimer's disease). Although limits of safe drinking have been conservatively defined, it is regrettable that political considerations are hampering the clinical application of this knowledge and its dissemination to the lay public.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Goldberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Emder P. Alcohol and survival in the elderly: the Dubbo Study. AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 1997; 27:185. [PMID: 9145183 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.1997.tb00936.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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