What is the standard therapy for older adults undergoing acute alcohol withdrawal?

The standard therapy for older adults undergoing acute alcohol withdrawal includes the administration of supplemental thiamine. This is critical because chronic alcohol consumption can lead to thiamine deficiency, which may result in serious neurological disorders such as Wernicke's encephalopathy. During withdrawal, providing thiamine helps prevent this condition, particularly in older adults who may have less reserve and are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol on their nutritional status.

While folic acid is important for overall nutritional health and may be beneficial in the management of alcohol withdrawal, thiamine plays a more crucial role in preventing neurological complications associated with withdrawal. Therefore, the combination of thiamine and folic acid is sufficient to address the immediate needs of older adults in withdrawal, as it addresses both the risk of neurological injury associated with thiamine deficiency and ensures adequate folate levels, which are often compromised in individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use.

In contrast, other combinations listed do not focus as directly on the necessary intervention for alcohol withdrawal management. The inclusion of high calcium intake or a high-protein diet does not address the immediate concerns related to thiamine deficiency and its consequences within the context of alcohol withdrawal, which is why those options are not standard therapy.