We prospectively studied the evaluation of dementia in 107 unselected outpatients; 83 had so-called "irreversible" dementias, including 74 who had an Alzheimer-type dementia. Fifteen patients had potentially reversible dementias, of which hypothyroidism and drug toxicity were the commonest causes. Distinguishing features of reversible dementia were shorter duration, use of more prescription drugs, and less severe dementia. Almost half of the patients had other previously unrecognized treatable medical diseases. Most diagnoses were made from patient history and physical and mental status examination. Patients with reversible dementia improved but rarely reverted to normal. Objective improvement occurred in 25 patients after treating unrecognized coexistent medical and psychiatric diseases, or stopping unnecessary medication. Careful clinical observation is the most useful part of the evaluation and extensive testing may not be required for all patients. Overemphasis on distinguishing reversible from irreversible forms of dementia may detract from recognition of commoner, treatable causes of dysfunction and suffering.

Ischemic heart disease is a common complication of thyrotoxicosis, although the exact mechanism has not been defined. A case is reported of angina and thyrotoxicosis in which the angina was reproduced by coronary artery spasm induced by ergonovine maleate, relieved by thyroid ablation, and reactivated by postablative thyroid replacement. Coronary arteriography did not show significant stenoses prior to ergonovine injection. Possible mechanisms of coronary artery spasm in thyrotoxicosis are briefly discussed. Hyperthyroidism should be considered as a cause of angina in any patient with rest pain and normal coronary arteries.

Geriatric and Family Services at the University of Washington provides a comprehensive evaluation and treatment program for the impaired elderly, and also offers support, counseling and practical advice for their families. Although most of the 76 patients in this first-year study had cognitive impairment, about one-fourth of them showed unequivocal motor, cognitive and/or affective improvement with treatment for previously undetected illnesses. The rating of "unequivocal improvement" required objective data, as well as corroboration by the patient and family. These therapeutic gains and the increased public interest led to expansion of the program.

No abstract

No abstract