What different communication styles and techniques do we use with older people that suffer from alcoholism?

If the one suffering from Alcoholism is also suffering from dementia because of brain damage resulting from the alcohol abuse, one would communicate with them as with any other form of dementia. An alcoholic who has suffered some brain damage may exhibit forgetfulness or personality changes but generally continues to be able to communicate. It is not necessary to change one's communication "style" or "technique" when dealing with someone suffering from alcoholism, except to say "honesty" is important if one does not want to enable the person to play a "victim" role because of their alcohol abuse.