[One-year therapy with dihydroergocristine for treatment of impaired alertness and memory in elderly patients. Placebo-controlled multicenter study].

This double-blind study of dihydroergocristine (DHEC, CAS 17479-19-5) versus placebo was performed in 240 elderly patients affected by chronic cerebrovascular disease or organic brain syndrome. The therapy was carried on for one year. Results pointed out a decrease of SCAG total score and a significant improvement of the target items "confusion, mental alertness and memory performance" after DHEC versus placebo. Furthermore the data show that DHEC maintained its activity throughout the 12-month trial period. Very few and mild side-effects were reported for both groups, thus confirming the well known good safety of the compound. Based on results of this 1-year investigation, it is concluded that DHEC treatment should not be abruptly interrupted, but continued for as long as possible.