RE: Alcohol induced dementia

[Faye Jones]

I am not an expert but have a couple of comments: My own discussions with family and residents r/t this topic indicates that a major change in social/drinking habits took place during and after World War 2 which is why we are seeing an increase now I assume. Have you researched via AA?  Have attended meetings with a family member and there is a condition they call being a “dry drunk”.  Basically, during the drinking years many alcoholics develop negative behavior patterns and they become so much a part of their basic personality that they exhibit them even when sober.  I know that in the beginnings of my family member’s recovery we had to concentrate on behavior modification.  It was understood that if he exhibited certain behaviors I would quietly simply state “dry drunk” which was the key for him to modify whatever. We have found here that with some residents even nonalcoholic beverages seem to help tame behavior.       ----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Sophie Kirkella Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2003 7:24 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Alcohol induced dementia   I've thought that a pseudo bar complete with bartender would be awesome....I've also seen a "happy hour" type activity, set up like a bar very popular. Echo Bristol <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I'm sorry this is not MDS related but we were recently having a discussion at our facility and was asked to pose this question to the group.... First of all, a little background. We have notice an increase in the number or admissions with alcohol related issues, such as dementia or being on an antianxiety med for DT's following their hospitalization. The issues we are running into is noticing an increase in agitation, behavior problems, etc. in the afternoon and evening. Now this could be related to sundowning but knowing their history we are also wondering if this was the time, these individuals went to the bar and consumed alcohol. Just wondering if there is any experts out there in this field and if any research has been done to find what the best approach for activities, etc is during these periods of agitation. I've been told that we will probably see an increase in people with alcohol related problems as the current population ages. We are just running into a brick wall trying to find out info on the issue and thought maybe one of you has run across this issue as well. Any info would be helpful....or if you could head me in the right direction for finding some info, I'd appreciate it :o) . Thanks so much! /---------------------------------------------------------- The Case Mix Discussion Group is a free service of the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators "Committed to the Assessment Professional" Be sure to visit the AANAC website. Accurate answers to your questions posted to NAC News and FAQs. For more info visit us at http://www.aanac.org -----------------------------------------------------------/ Do you Yahoo!? Exclusive Video Premiere - Britney Spears