An Ergot Preparation (Hydergine) in the Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disorders in the Geriatric Patient: Double‐blind Study

A bstract In a controlled double blind study, 40 geriatric patients with cerebrovascular disorders were treated with sublingual tablets of Hydergine or placebo for twelve weeks. The inventory of symptoms (32 items) included an array which portrayed their physical status, behavioral traits, and intellectual impairments. Final appraisals based on re‐evaluations at three‐week intervals during treatment showed that, compared to the placebo, Hydergine produced greater improvements in 19 of the 30 items rated. The most impressive results ascribable to Hydergine pertained to cognition and intellectual function. No untoward effects from this drug were observed during the course of this study. A probable mode of action of this ergot preparation is also discussed.