A memory assessment technique for use in geriatric psychopharmacology: drug efficacy trial with naftidrofuryl.

This study was conducted to compare an automated test of paced stimulus material (Sperling's Perceptual Trace, SPT) with several other standard memory scales. Sixty patients with mild senile organic brain syndrome were divided into two groups of 30; one group was treated for 90 days with 300 mg daily of naftidrofuryl (Praxilene), and the other group received placebo. The patients were tested before treatment and at 30, 60 and 90 days after the beginning of treatment. The data indicated that the SPT indirectly assesses short-term memory, is resistant to practice effects, and is drug-sensitive. It is suggested that the SPT might become the test of choice in the indirect assessment of short-term memory in the elderly.