Prevention of Senile and Presenile Dementia by Bishydroxycoumarin (Dicumarol) Therapy*

Abstract

Research data from many sources appear to confirm the theory that circulatory insufficiency of the brain plays a major role in the development of senile and presenile dementia. This insufficiency is probably caused most frequently by sclerotic narrowing of the arteries supplying the brain combined with blood sludging or thrombosis in the arteries, capillaries or veins. Experience gained thus far from therapeutic trials in a small number of patients indicates that progression of the dementia can usually be arrested at once by the use of bishydroxycoumarin (Dicumarol). In some patients there has been worthwhile improvement in mental status. These findings suggest that for many patients, early treatment wih Dicumarol may prevent progressive mental deterioration, and thus put senile dementia in the category of a preventable disease.

Senile and Presenile Dementia: Further Observations on the Benefits of a Dicumarol‐Psychotherapy Regimen

“…Our advocacy of the treatment of presenile and senile dementia with anticoagulants is based on the hypothesis that the underlying cause of such brain disorders is a reduction of cerebral blood flow (1) and that anticoagulant therapy will improve the flow, or at least prevent further reduction. In several previous reports (1–4) we have described this relationship as it applies to the good results obtained with bishydroxycoumarin (Dicumarol); now psychotherapy has been added.…”

Anticoagulant Therapy for Senile Dementia*

“…Thus it seemed pertinent to investigate further the possibility that anticoagulant therapy can improve mental functioning in senile and arteriosclerotic dementia, as reported by Walsh in a number of papers (7–10), particularly as the method is easily applicable and appears to be safe when under proper control. Therefore we conducted a controlled double‐blind study on the effect of long‐term anticoagulant therapy on cognitive functioning in patients afflicted with the dementing processes of the senium.…”

Presenile Dementia: Further Experience with an Anticoagulant‐Psychotherapy Regimen*

“…Presenile dementia seems primarily to result from cerebrovascular insufficiency and this insufficiency often can be prevented and even reversed by anticoagulant therapy (1). Further experience with the treatment of senile and presenile dementias (2, 3) has confirmed our earlier hypothesis presented in 1967 (4) that both disorders have a common etiology (insufficient blood supply to the brain) and both can respond to anticoagulant therapy (5). My psychiatric training led to awareness that complex and serious emotional factors also are involved in the clinical picture as observed in medical practice.…”