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PREVENTION OF SENILE AND PRESENILE DEMENTIA BY BISHYDROXYCOUMARIN (DICUMAROL) THERAPY *
Author(s) -
WALSH ARTHUR C.
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1969.tb01171.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dementia , disease , thrombosis , senile dementia , vascular dementia , cerebral arteriosclerosis , surgery , intensive care medicine , cardiology , pathology
A bstract : Research data from many sources appear to confirm the theory that circulatory insufficiency of the brain plays a major role in the development of senile and presenile dementia. This insufficiency is probably caused most frequently by sclerotic narrowing of the arteries supplying the brain combined with blood sludging or thrombosis in the arteries, capillaries or veins. Experience gained thus far from therapeutic trials in a small number of patients indicates that progression of the dementia can usually be arrested at once by the use of bishydroxycoumarin (Dicumarol). In some patients there has been worthwhile improvement in mental status. These findings suggest that for many patients, early treatment wih Dicumarol may prevent progressive mental deterioration, and thus put senile dementia in the category of a preventable disease.