The objective measurement of mental performance in cerebrovascular disease. A double-blind controlled study, using a graded-release preparation of isoxsuprine.

An automatically controlled learned task was used to assess objectively the mental performance of a number of geriatric patients with cerebrovascular disease. The effect on the performance of the patients during treatment with isoxsuprine hydrochloride in a sustained-release presentation ("Duvadilan Retard") was measured during a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sixteen weeks' duration. There was a significant difference in the improvement in performance between the treated and untreated groups; by the end of the trial, the treated group having statistically significantly better scores (P = 0.047 two-tailed tests).