Progredient subclinical changes of the behaviour

The author describes serious subclinical deviations of behaviour in longevity (80-90 years) in connection with 36 cases of a homogenous group of aged persons. In 4 cases she observed normal behaviour, in 13 cases the syndrome of loss of prestige, in 7 cases milder anomalies of the behaviour, in 12 cases grave deviations. The matter of the present article is to review the graver subclinical anomalies. They include unjustified intermittent depression, pathological avarice, forgetfulness regarding the daily routine (putting away articles for personal use, etc.). At the same time there is the maintained interest in and knowledge of the domain of sciences, music, latest scientific results; but also temporary uncritical behaviour, rages in consequence of which the aged person becomes amnesic before long. The deviations described are of temporary character at first (in cerebral, vascular decompensation, exhaustion). When anatomic alterations develop in the neurocytes, they will become manifest.