[Nonspecific systems of the brain in insomnia and parkinsonism in old age]

Conventional clinical investigation, electropolygraphy of the structure of night sleep and wakefulness, diurnal fluctuations of catecholamine excretion, psychological testing have revealed that both insomnia (995 patients) and parkinsonism (88 patients) involve the impairment of the integrative action of unspecific brain structures. Diurnal rhythm of these systems activity was inverted with activating influences preponderant at night and synchronizing ones at day. Unlike insomnia, parkinsonism showed distinct traits of increased activity of synchronizing brain structures during the cycle of sleep-wakefulness. The treatment of these disorders should be designed with due consideration for age related and biorhythmic changes as well as personal 'patients' peculiarities and general gerontological principles.