Double-blind randomized controlled study of phosphatidylserine in senile demented patients.

A double-blind randomized controlled study was conducted in 42 hospitalized demented patients to evaluate the therapeutical effect of phosphatidylserine (BS-PS). Half of the patients received 3 X 100 mg of this product, and the other half a placebo of the same appearance. After a wash-out period, prescription lasted for six weeks. To evaluate the patients, two distinct rating scales were used: the Crichton Scale and an original one (Peri Scale) designed in our geriatric unit (see Appendix). A circle crossing test was added. Out of the 35 patients who completed the trial, 18 had received placebo and 17 BC-PS. The results indicated a trend toward improvement in the BC-PS treated patients and an analysis of covariance showed a significant (p less than 0.05) treatment effect on the Peri Scale. The results at the end of the treatment period were compared with those obtained three weeks later. Here again there was a statistically significant difference in the Peri Scale results, indicating that modifications are drug-related. The behavioral improvement shown in this study is in agreement with experimental studies on aged animals.

[Rehabilitation and the pathology of dementia]. / Revalidation et pathologie démentielle.

To recognize the influence of the social and physical environment on demential pathology has methodological and therapeutical implications. Since the beginning of the seventies, many works have demonstrated that senile deterioration is not a continuous nor insurmountable process. There is no ineluctable evolution, independent of environment. The different therapeutical strategies can be analysed in terms of behavior modification through an action upon the physical and social determinants of the environment. The authors present two complementary methods of revalidation: an individualised reeducation of necessary behaviors for a social autonomy (toilet, dressing, continence) and a program of physical and psychic activation, to maintain or reestablish social skills (management of the institutional environment, physical mobilisation, ergotherapy and sociotherapy). These methods are relevant to the functional analysis and behavior modification. They are in concordance with the goals of the contemporary gerontology.

[Psychogeriatric hospitalization]. / L'hospitalisation psychogériatrique.

A pessimistic view is not acceptable in psychogeriatrics, even in the field of senile dementia. There is a need for specialized psychogeriatric units, allowing a multifocal approach of these patients. This is illustrated by the report of the methodology developed at the Psychogeriatric Center "Le Pérî" (Liège). For 12 years, a multidisciplinary approach has been in use, to precisely evaluate the clinical picture and to properly design a therapeutic strategy for demented patients, in order to improve their residual capacities and, if possible, to discharge them from hospital.

Computer-assisted medical care in a haemodialysis unit.

Most computer applications used in dialysis centres process data in batch mode to allow for periodic evaluation and to create a data-bank for research. A system, used for seven years at the University of Liege, achieves these two basic goals; but in addition, it allows for an improvement in patient care, and for a better practical organization of the unit. For each dialysis session, the computer publishes a summary of the data collected during the previous three weeks. Each month, the computer a summary of patients' progress, in an interactive output. As an extension of the medical application, the system gives organizational support to the unit, for example nursing schedules, involving handling biological data, and as a corollary provides extensive data to support clinical research.