Relationship between haemorheological factors and initial mental deterioration in the elderly. A preliminary study

Abstract

Forty elderly patients suffering from primary mental deterioration were assessed for haemorheological factors and intellectual capacity. They were then divided into four randomized groups and treated with one of the following 1) PLACEBO 2) “TRENTAL” 400 (pentoxifylline) 3) “MENTIUM” (2-dimethylaminoethanol) 4) “NORZETAM” (2-oxo-1 pyrrolidone acetamide). After three months of treatment the two parameters were re-evaluated and the results compared with the pre-therapy data to establish whether there is any correlation between haemorheological values and psychological test scores. The differences found would seem to warrant further investigations on the role of haemorheological factors in mental deterioration, as well as on the three drugs tested.