Mental impairment (dementia) and cerebral atrophy in geriatric patients

In predicting the degree of brain atrophy as measured by CT, the AGP score and a few clinical variables were of some remarkable value. Especially the variables related to memory disorders and lack of insight are easily and reliably assessed during the course of the examination. In comparison to other more widely used neurological methods, the FHT proved to be an effective device for detecting brain atrophy, whereas the PMR and the glabellar blink were less effective. The close correlations between cerebral atrophy as measured by CT and a considerable number of clinical variables support the opinion that the organic substratum is not inconsistent with the clinically assessed function. Further research using strictly defined and standardized quantitative methods of psychopathological as well as neuroradiological assessment would seem to be a most promising attempt to answer the questions here only touched upon.