Systematic review of modifications to alcohol screening and brief interventions for older adults with cognitive impairment

Purpose Older adults with cognitive impairment who drink too much alcohol risk further cognitive decline and other alcohol-related harms. The purpose of this study was to review the literature to synthesise existing knowledge about modifications to alcohol screening and brief interventions for people with cognitive impairment and their effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach We carried out a systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42022378827). We included studies of older adults with cognitive impairment that examined alcohol screening or brief interventions applied to or modified for this group. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Findings Four studies (5 papers) were found that met the review inclusion criteria. Alcohol screening tools and brief interventions were reported to be acceptable and feasible in older people with cognitive impairment (2 studies). No studies of the effectiveness of alcohol screening or brief interventions for people with cognitive impairment were identified. Research limitations/implications Research should focus on the development of modified interventions that should be tested rigorously to tackle the large and growing burden of cognitive impairment globally. Originality/value This original systematic review found no studies exploring the effectiveness of alcohol screening or brief interventions modified for people with cognitive impairment, though studies indicated they are considered feasible and acceptable in this population.