RESUMO
Evaluation of treatment modalities, including pharmacotherapy, for organic brain syndrome (OBS) has been difficult because of sampling and methodological problems, and comparisons of research studies are all but impossible. In this study, an ergot derivative, a combination of dihydroergocornine mesylate, dihydroergocristine mesylate, and dihydroergokryptine mesylate (Hydergine) was compared with placebo, using a double-blind technique in a sample of nursing home residents with evidence of OBS. An 18-category symptom rating scale was used for periodic assessment over a six-month interval. Comparisons of the two groups of subjects disclosed that the Hydergine-treated group showed statistically significantly more improvement in most of the variables measured, especially during the last three months of treatment. Furthermore, sophisticated analysis revealed that positive changes in cognitive function cannot be accounted for as a mere reflection, or "halo" effect, associated with improved mood and general sense of well-being.
Assuntos
Di-Hidroergotoxina/uso terapêutico , Transtornos Neurocognitivos/tratamento farmacológico , Administração Oral , Idoso , Cognição/efeitos dos fármacos , Di-Hidroergotoxina/administração & dosagem , Combinação de Medicamentos , Avaliação de Medicamentos , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Placebos , Escalas de Graduação Psiquiátrica , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Diagnosing mental illness in the elderly is difficult because changes in physical and psychologic functioning may mimic psychiatric disorders. The reverse is also true. Although chronologic age is not related directly to predisposition to mental illness, the stresses experienced by elderly persons as a result of declining health and loss of social status may result in mental disorders. Accurate diagnosis, which takes all these factors into account, is particularly important for the rational treatment of elderly patients.