[The effect of vincamine on vigilance disorders in the elderly (author's transl)].

The vigilance is, now, recognised as an active phenomenon submitted to definite structures, separate from those supervising sleep. A good cerebral function is required for vigilance maintenance and it is easily understood that cerebral alterations in aging result in vigilance decrease. The eminent repercussion of these disorders on the behavioral adaptation of the aged justified an awaking therapy. This original characteristic of vincamine, and specially of Pervincamine Forte Retard, is a fundamental discovery in cognitive functions maintenance of the aged people.