This course will examine the widespread problem of substance abuse and addiction among older adults. Elderly adults present with higher risks for cancer, infections and infectious diseases due to past and continued use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.

The number of adults aged 50 and older with substance abuse disorders is expected to double by 2020 across gender, ethnicity and all age groups. Treatment admissions for substance abuse in this same group have more than doubled since 1992, with estimates continuing to grow as Baby Boomers age.

A growing body of research supports that older adult currently engage in recreational drug use, and lifetime use of a variety of substances has increased significantly among Baby Boomers. Dependency on prescription drugs is widespread with a multifactorial etiology. Normal physiologic changes in aging alter drug handling in the body, contributing to increased side effects, toxicity and overdose. Strategies for how to safely manage these patients in the dental setting will be discussed.

Course objectives:

Upon completion of this continuing education course, the participant will be able to:

• Identify substances that are commonly abused by elderly individuals
• Discuss normal physiologic changes of aging and the impact on drug pharmacokinetics
• Identify factors that contribute to recreational drug use in older adults
• Discuss chronic health conditions that contribute to risk for developing drug dependency
• Describe risks for cancer, infections and infectious disease associated with drug use among elderly patients
• Discuss assessment strategies used to determine suitability for elderly patients to receive dental treatment safely.
• Identify strategies that can be used to reduce oral and systemic disease risks among elderly individuals with a history of substance abuse.


CATEGORY :