Double-blind clinical and psychologic study of ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine) in subjects with senile mental deterioration.

A double-blind study of 24 weeks' duration was conducted to investigate the effects of ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine) on symptoms of senile mental deterioration. Fifty-eight residents of old people's homes were included in the trial. Thirty were treated with ergoloid mesylates and 28 with placebo, and the effects of treatment were determined by means of medical and psychological examinations.

[Invalidity and aphasia].

Aphasia may be conceived as a disturbance in one of the functional capacities. Most functional capacities may be 'measured' by performance scales (Katz, Barthel Index, Kenny Numerical Scale). These scales do measure more the 'amount' or 'need' of help than the disturbance itself.

A structural model of functional capacity in the aged.

The core problem in geriatrics is the continuous loss of adaptive capacity by bones, joints, brain, heart and lungs. Thus many old persons cannot take care of themselves any longer in matters of food, safety, body temperature and hygiene, the basic functions for human independence. Geriatricians agree about the basic functions that an elderly person should be able to perform.