[Problem of transient dementias of old age (clinico-diagnostic aspect)].

On the basis of the literature data and their own findings the authors discuss the problem of "transient" senile dementia. A special emphasis is given to depressive pseudodementias and somatogenic confusion imitating oligophrenia, particularly to their differentiation from true oligophrenia. The authors also describe supplementary differential-diagnostic tests with the administration of antidepressants (or tranquilizers) and psychostimulators (or nootropic agents), and control examination of mental functions prior to and after drug administration.