The European Journal of Public Health Advance Access originally published online on September 14, 2005
The European Journal of Public Health 2005 15(6):587-588; doi:10.1093/eurpub/cki036
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Alcohol and Drugs |
Prevalence of alcohol related brain damage among homeless hostel dwellers in Glasgow
Gail Gilchrist1 and David S. Morrison2
1 Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
2 Greater Glasgow NHS Board, Dalian House, Glasgow, UK
Correspondence: David S. Morrison, Greater Glasgow NHS Board, Dalian House, 350 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G3 8YZ, UK, e-mail: david.morrison{at}gghb.scot.nhs.uk
Background: Over half of Glasgow's 4000 homeless people drink hazardously but the prevalence of alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) has not been described. Aims and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of ARBD among homeless hostel dwellers in Glasgow. Methods: A representative sample of homeless hostel dwellers was surveyed using validated survey instruments and clinical assessment. Results: From a sample of 266 hostel dwellers, 82% had cognitive impairment and 78% were drinking hazardously. The prevalence of ARBD among homeless hostel dwellers was 21%. Conclusions: ARBD has a high prevalence among homeless hostel dwellers and treatment is usually effective. There is a need to actively identify and treat this population to help them move out of homelessness.
Keywords: alcohol-related brain damage, homeless, Korsakoff's syndrome, Wernicke's disease
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In brief BMJ, September 24, 2005; 331(7518): 652 - 652. [Full Text] [PDF] |
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