The man's father has Alzheimer's (or at least they think it is Alzheimer's), but he is alcoholic and the son feels the father needs to detoxify his body. However, the detox facility wouldn't take him because of the Alzheimer's. I asked the writer if he was sure his father has Alzheimer's and not alcohol induced dementia.

There's something else that needs to be considered, when evaluating an elder who is confused or even delirious while in the hospital. We need to consider alcohol.

Researchers found that seniors who drank more than what has been previously recommended — no more than one drink per day — were not affected negatively by their increased alcohol consumption.

Provided they stick to the same guidelines about alcohol consumption as younger adults, regular moderate drinking poses no additional risks to the over 65s, and may even bring health benefits.