bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Alzheimer's disease assessment scale (ADAS): An instrument for early diagnosis of dementia?
Authors: Schwarb Susanne , Köberle Suse , Spiegel René 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWith the aim of detecting mild dementias, 94 elderly subjects who had been participating in a long‐term study since 1976 were studied by means of a new diagnostic instrument, the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) (Rosen et al., 1984). Data available from intelligence tests performed during the course of the long‐term study were also analysed.On the basis of an independent clinical assessment, four subjects were rated as clearly demented, seven as possibly demented, and 83 as normal. A comparison of these three groups showed that the subjects classified as demented obtained significantly poorer scores on the ADAS than did the group of normal subjects. The cognitive section of the ADAS distinguished even better between the normal and the clearly demented subjects. On the other hand, there was no indication that the ADAS was specifically sensitive to degenerative types of dementia since the subject with the highest ADAS score was suffering from vascular dementia. There were significant correlations between the score on the ADAS and the subjects' previous or current intelligence level as assessed by means of two standard intelligence tests. However, no correlation was found between any deterioration in intelligence over time (8–10 years) and the ADAS score. The three groups did not differ significantly in intelligence quotient either at the beginning of the study (1976/78) or at its end in 1986; however, there were trends in this direction.
Use of rCBF in diagnosis and follow‐up of cerebral vitamin B12 deficiency
Authors: Fäldt Roger , Dalfelt Göran , Gustafson Lars , Risberg Jarl , Thulin Anna‐Karin 
Published: December 2004

AbstractEvidence for cerebral B12 deficiency was searched for in 16 patients (age range 54–94 years) with subnormal serum B12 values (<110 pmol/l) with or without anaemia using sequential regional cerebral blood flow measurement (rCBF). Three patterns of responses followed B12 substitution in 11/16 cases: marked increase of the cerebral blood flow after one week (1); complete or partial normalization of regional decreases after one week (2) or after 1–3 months (3). Mental disturbances were observed in 14/16 patients and abnormally slow EEG activity in 11/12 patients before B12 substitution. During substitution a parallel clinical improvement was observed in 5/7 cases, who could cooperate in a follow‐up study, and normalization or marked improvement of the abnormal EEG activity was observed in three cases. We propose that rCBF is a valuable tool for diagnosis and follow‐up of this deficiency state. In addition, our results indicate that prophylactic B12 substitution should be considered at serum B12 serum values above the lower normal value especially in aged patients with coexisting organic brain disease.
The relationship between mortality and mental disorder: Evidence from the Liverpool longitudinal study
Authors: Davidson Ian A. , Dewey Michael E. , Copeland J. R. M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn 1982/83 a random community sample of 1070 people aged 65 years and over resident in Liverpool was identified. GMS data from this sample were analysed using the AGECAT computer diagnostic program and reliable and valid rates for the different mental illnesses were determined. One hundred and seventy‐nine subjects have died during the first three years of follow‐up in the longitudinal study and form the basis of the mortality data presented here. The results demonstrate a significant relationship between mortality rates and mental disorder and we discuss these findings for different diagnostic categories as well as using the ability of the AGECAT system to look at case levels.
CBM 36‐733 (2‐Methyl‐alpha‐ergokryptine) In primary degenerative dementia: Results of a european multicentre trial
Authors: Danielczyk W. , Simanyi B. , Forette F. , Orgogozo J. , Péré J. , Hugonot L. , Floris M. , Levy R. , Philpot M. , Cox J. , Hildebrand J. , Seeldrayers P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractOne hundred and seventeen inpatients and outpatients with primary degenerative dementia participated in a multicentre, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, therapeutic study with CBM 36‐733 (2‐methyl‐alpha‐ergokryptine) lasting eight weeks. The daily dose of CBM 36‐733 was 2.0 mg, after a slow increase over 10 days. The assessment of effects relied on factors derived from the SCAG (Sandoz Clinical Assessment Geriatric) scale and the NOSIE (Nurses' Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation), a battery of pscyhometric tests, and overall evaluation of efficacy and tolerability (plus laboratory analyses). CBM 36‐733 was well tolerated and positive changes were seen with regard to the ‘Apathy’ factor of the SCAG scale and in psychometric tests measuring psychomotor speed, attention, and some aspects of memory. Longer‐term studies are now required to determine the clinical relevance and duration of improvements that can be achieved with CBM 36‐733 in patients suffering from primary degenerative dementia.
The clonidine test in patients with dementia disorders: Relation to clinical status and cerebrospinal fluid metabolite levels
Authors: Balldin Jan , Gottfries C. G. , Lindstedt Göran , Lérngström Göran , Svennerholm Lars 
Published: December 2004

AbstractClonidine loading tests (100μg i.v.) for growth hormone (GH) release were performed in eight patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type and four with multi‐infarct dementia. clonidine did not stimulate GH but depressed blood pressure levels. Basal GH levels correlated to clinical variables of affective symptomatology but not with monoamine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment with a 5‐HT uptake inhibitor (citalopram) did not affect the outcome of the loading tests.
The differentiation of depression from senile dementia in the elderly
Authors: Portalska Renata Z. , Bernstein Marion 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTwo studies were carried out to validate the St Thomas' Questionnaire (SQSD) for use by health professionals to distinguish between cases of depression in the elderly without underlying organic involvement, and thus potentially reversible, from those of a progressive and irreversible senile dementing state. In the first study 50 patients with a diagnosis of senile dementia, 50 with functional disorders known to include an affective component and a control group of 50 coping elderly people within the district were psychologically tested. Independent assessments by a psychiatrist were also provided for the two experimental groups. After taking age and IQ differences into account using multiple regression, performance scores on the SQSD were compared between groups. Significant differences were found (p<0.01) between controls and dementing patients and between depressed patients and dementing patients, but not between depressed patients and controls. When individual subtests of the SQSD were examined, certain items were found to be of greater discriminatory value than others, and in the second study the less discriminatory items were eliminated and a shorter version of the test was administered to a further sample of 50 patients diagnosed as depressed and / or dementing. Again significant differences were found (p<0.01) between the groups, demonstrating the SQSD to be of diagnostic value in discriminating a primarily depressed state from a dementing process.
Brain changes in geriatric depression
Authors: Alexopoulos George S. , Meyers Barnett S. , Young Robert C. , Abrams Robert C. , Shamolan Charles A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe clinical and neurobiological literature of geriatric depression which focuses on the relationship between depression and dementia is reviewed. The hypothesis that depression of late life and dementia are linked by a spectrum of underlying ageing‐associated brain changes is presented, and the implications for future research are discussed.
The role of labelling processes in the assessment of geriatric depression
Authors: Cohen Carl L. , Crosby Mabel , Zeman David 
Published: December 2004

AbstractInformed by a labelling theory perspective, the authors examine the difficulties in diagnosing depression in elderly persons. Two popular diagnostic tools, the DSM‐III and depression scales, are used to illustrat the value judgements, theoretical biases, and insensitivity to geriatric norms that underlie the diagnostic decisions. The implications of these problems are discussed.
Age of onset and studies of late‐life depression
Authors: Meyers Barnett S. , Alexopoulos George 
Published: December 2004

AbstractInvestigations of the heterogeneity of major depression must include studies of geriatric patients. This will facilitate identification of correlates of age of onset in an age‐matched sample. The inclusion of young adult depressives could confound the affect of age and wash out a phenomenon occurring only in late life unless systematically carried out as part of the study design. Thus, a comparison of early‐onset first‐episode depressives with late‐onset first‐episode and early‐onset multiple‐episode patients who have aged provides a mathematical approach for separating the influences of multiple episodes, age at index episode and age of onset.Studies of geriatric depressives have not demonstrated a greater role for either medical or social factors in late‐onset illness. The possibility that some cases of late‐onset depression directly result from biogenic amine depletion caused by age and that these individuals are examples of acceleration of a normal distributed rate of brain ageing remains. If this hypothesis is valid, these cases might be related to senile onset Alzheimer's disease. A longitudinal study could determine if this ‘brain failure’ hypothesis is associated with depression‐related dementia, systemic signs of accelerated ageing, a decreased interval before death, and neurotransmitter depletion at autopsy. Future investigations that carefully examine questions of age of onset, age, and clinical and biological correlates are required to address these important questions.
Elderly suicide in london: An analysis of coroners' inquests
Authors: Cattell H. R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe article describes the social, physical and psychological features of 104 consecutive elderly suicides, using information obtained from coroners' inquests. An age and sex matched cohort of 51 accidental deaths was used as a control. The suicide cohort was significantly more depressed and in pain, had experienced more previous depressive episodes and suicide attempts, and were less confused compared to the control group. The study confirms the importance of recognized risk factors: 61% were living alone, with 9% complaining of loneliness. Only one individual, on available data, attended a day hospital or day centre. Physical illness was common, with at least 56% having ill health prior to death and 63% showing postmortem abnormalities. Twenty‐two per cent revealed abnormal cerebral pathology. Depressive illness was prominent, with 79% exhibiting depressive symptoms prior to death. Only 12 individuals were taking antidepressants and only one was on lithium. Despite contact with primary care services, only 20% had been seen by psychiatrists within three months of death. The roles of alcohol, drugs, abnormal cerebral changes and personality factors are discussed along with considerations for prevention.
Relationship between peripheral sensory disturbance and onset of symptoms in elderly paraphrenics
Authors: Soni Som D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractFour cases of paraphrenia with multiple sensory disturbances are presented in which there was a close temporal relationship between the development of a disturbance in one sensory modality and the onset of psychiatric symptoms pertaining to it. In some instances, relief of the sensory dysfunction was followed by amelioration of the corresponding psychiatric symptom. It is suggested that in the presence of the right constitutional/environmental milieu, delusions and/or hallucinations may be precipitated by the development of peripheral sensory disturbances and since the latter, not infrequently, result from a treatable disorder, paraphrenics should be investigated thoroughly before instituting neuroleptic therapy.
Prescription of psychotropic drugs in geriatric institutions
Authors: De Leo Diego , Stella Antonella G. , Spagnoli Alberto 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA drug utilization study was carried out in 11 geriatric institutions for independent or dependent people in Padua. Clinical records and treatment charts of the 1533 residents were reviewed and details on sociodemographic characteristics of the population and prescription of psychotropic drugs were recorded. Mean age of the residents was 79 years and mean length of stay five years; women were 78% of residents. Psychotropic drug prescriptions were recorded in 26% of the residents; frequency of prescriptions of benzodiazepines, neuroleptics and antidepressants was respectively 21%, 8% and 4% most of the residents (74%) receiving psychotropic agents were being prescribed only one category of psychotropic drug. Duration of treatment could not be reliably assessed. Psychotropic drug use in geriatric institutions is discussed and studies from different countries are briefly reviewed. Evidence from the literature and the present study suggests that, at least in some institutions, psychotropic drug use is inappropriate.
Late paraphrenia — a follow‐up study
Authors: Hymas Nigel , Naguib Mohsen , Levy Raymond 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe report a 3.7 year follow‐up study carried out on 42 patients with an original diagnosis of late paraphrenia who had had a CT scan and simple tests of cognition in addition to an assessment by means of the Geriatric Mental State Schedule. Mortality was found to be no different than in a control group. Patients showed improvement in target symptoms but exhibited a good deal of residual morbidity, particularly of motor and cognitive function. Cognitive performance, which was previously mildly impaired, showed some futher deterioration, usually falling short of clear‐cut dementia. Ventricular size on the CT scan was not a predictor of outcome. The article highlights the organic substrate of late paraphrenia but suggests that the cerebral changes are relatively subtle and slowly progressive.
The cerebral cortical appearance in late paraphrenia
Authors: Burns Alistair , Carrick Janet , Ames David , Naguib Mohsen , Levy Raymond 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe cortical appearance on CT scan in patients suffering from late paraphrenia was assessed compared to that of age‐matched normal controls. There was no difference in overall cortical appearance between the two groups. However, a correlation existed between ventricular size and cortical size and between ventricular size and age in normal controls but this was not present in paraphrenia. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to a possible structural abnormality in late paraphrenia.
Assessment of cognitive decline in dementia by informant questionnaire
Authors: Jorm Anthony F. , Scott Ruth , Jacomb Patricia A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAn informant questionnaire to measure cognitive decline in the elderly (the IQCODE) is described. The IQCODE was found to have high internal consistency reliability and to measure a general factor of cognitive decline. Scores on this questionnaire correlated highly with the Mini‐Mental State Examination and with the level of care required by the subject. Furthermore, scores were unrelated to the subject's education or occupational status.
A white‐matter disease in dementia of Alzheimer's type – clinical and neuropathological correlates
Authors: Englund Elisabet , Brun Arne , Gustafson Lars 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA correlative neuropathological‐clinical study was undertaken in order to analyse the possible clinical effects of the selective incomplete white‐matter infarctions (SIWI) frequently found in dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT). The cases studied represent DAT with and without concomitant SIWI, non‐Alzheimer dementia with SIWI and cerebrovascular dementia, including multi‐infarct dementia and Binswanger's disease. The structural grey and white matter changes were examined and the clinical symptoms and signs were analysed. The occurrence of cardiovascular disease and abnormal blood pressure was studied as well. The results show that cardiovascular disease and systemic hypotension occur frequently in cases with SIWI and they are considered of pathogenetic importance for SIWI. Symptoms and signs of a non‐focal cerebrovascular/ischaemic type, mainly vertigo, fainting and a fluctuating course, are associated with SIWI. In DAT and SIWI, the clinical picture of DAT is altered accordingly, compared to DAT with normal white matter.
Double‐blind controlled withdrawal of thioridazine treatment in elderly female inpatients with senile dementia
Authors: Findlay D. J. , Sharma J. , McEwen J. , Ballinger B. R. , MaClennan W. J. , McHarg A. M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThirty‐six female inpatients with a clinical diagnosis of senile dementia, Alzheimer type, were entered into a doubleblind withdrawal of their established thioridazine. Over a four‐week period there were no significant differences between the two study groups in terms of cognitive function, behaviour or physical state. There was no evidence of a withdrawal phenomenon and the use of replacement medication was at a similar low level in the two groups. Although significant differences were not established in terms of side‐effect, there was a trend for greater reduction of these for the group in whom treatment was stopped. These data indicated that careful, controlled withdrawal of established thioridazine treatment is a safe procedure which may be useful in circumstances where the contribution of medication is unclear.
A systematic review of nursing home research in three psychiatric journals: 1966–1985
Authors: Larson David B. , Lyons John S. , Hohmann Ann A. , Beardsley Robert S. , Huckeba Wendy M. , Rabins Peter V. , Lebowitz Barry D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis article presents the results of a systematic review of two decades of research on nursing home populations in three major psychiatric journals. The review indicates that very little psychiatric research has been undertaken in nursing home settings. The work that has been done is more often qualitative: case studies, program reports or reviews of the research, rather than quantitative research studies. The small amount of empirical research that has been published has suffered from sampling, design, and analytic shortcomings. Until recently, there has been little funded psychiatric research in nursing home setting, reflected in a worse than average disapproval rate for NIMH grant submissions involving nursing home populations. The implications of this review are discussed and recommendations are made for advancing this area of study among mental health professionals.
The value of CT head scan in elderly psychiatric patients
Authors: Rozenbilds Ute Y. , Gilchrist Peter N. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe authors present the results of routine CT head scans done on 80 consecutively admitted elderly psychiatric patients. Many patients had abnormal scans but in few cases were the results of major clinical importance. Patients in whom the clinical history suggests a recent change in behaviour or personality, or whose findings on physical examination have recently altered, represent a select group for whom CT scans should be considered.
Anxiety and depression scores in elderly fallers
Authors: Vetter Norman J. , Ford Diane 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn the present study 674 over‐70s, living at home, were interviewed in order to ascertain their annual prevalence of falls, their general physical state, their use of medications and their degree of neuroticism, based on standard scores. Frequent falls were related to physical state and medicine usage and anxiety and depression scores. The article shows that falls per se have a relationship with the mental state of elderly people but that the major part of that relationship is mediated through other variables.
The validity of informant histories in a community study of dementia
Authors: O'Connor D. W. , Pollitt P. A. , Brook C. P. B. , Reiss B. B. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe CAMDEX is a structured interview schedule intended for use in community studies of dementia. It includes an informant interview in addition to a mental status examination and cognitive testing. In a Cambridge dementia prevalence study, the information given by informants, most of whom were relatives, was highly consistent with elderly subjects' scores on cognitive testing and with the observations made by research psychiatrists. Their reports were in serious disagreement with other parts of the asessment in only a small number of cases. Neither social class nor the relationship between informant and subject appeared to have any bearing on the consistency of informants' reports.
The reliability of the brief assessment schedule
Authors: Mann A. H. , Ames D. , Graham N. , Weyerer S. , Eichhorn S. , Platz S. , Snowdon J. , Hughes F. , Ticehurst S. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractReliability studies for the Brief Assessment Schedule between raters trained in England, West Germany and Australia have been carried out, as this instrument is now being widely used for assessing psychiatric morbidity among elderly residents in care in several countries. Interrater reliability for the dementia and depression scales for raters from the different countries working in English was high. However, the interlingual (English‐German) reliability for the dementia scale was less satisfactory.
Anxiety as an outcome symptom of depression in elderly and middle‐aged adults
Authors: Blazer Dan , Hughes Dana C. , Fowler Nancy 
Published: December 2004

AbstractEarly morning anxiety was reported as a symptom in 32.1% of 131 elderly and middle‐aged patients hospitalized for depression one to two years following hospitalization. Two‐thirds of those patients complaining of early morning anxiety also complained of anxiety at other times during the day. The demographic and system profile of subjects complaining of early morning anxiety did not differ on a variety of indices from subjects complaining of anxiety throughtou the day at follow‐up, except that early morning anxiety was associated with a less severe symptom profile at follow‐up. These results suggest that early morning anxiety is a less severe presentation of mixed depression/anxiety in patients who do not recover completely from an episode of major depression, regardless of age.
Increased response of serum prolactin to metoclopramide in senile dementia of Alzheimer type
Authors: House Allan , Jones Jo 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe investigation studied the effect of intravenous administration of a dopamine blocking agent (metoclopramide) on serum prolactin levels in patients with senile dementia of Alzheimer type (SDAT) and in non‐demented elderly controls. The response to metoclopramide was greater in the demented patients than in the controls, suggesting that dementia is associated with dysfunction in the tubero‐infundibular pathway which controls prolactin secretion. This finding adds to the evidence that dopaminergic systems may be affected in dementia, in the absence of clinical evidence of extrapyramidal disorder.