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This study was designed to confirm or negate findings from earlier trials demonstrating that Colostrinin, a novel compound derived from ewes' colostrum, has potential in the treatment of mild or moderate Alzheimer's Disease (AD). 105 patients were recruited from six psychiatric centres in Poland. The trial consisted of a 15 week double-blind phase comparing Colostrinin with placebo, followed by a second 15 week open labelled phase when all patients received Colostrinin. The dosage of Colostrinin was 100 microg on alternate days for three weeks followed by two weeks drug-free. This cycle was repeated three times for each phase. The primary outcome measures used were Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive portion (ADAS-cog) and Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC). Secondary outcome measures were Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL); Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); ADAS-non cognitive test (ADAS-non cog); and overall Patient Response. The main outcome measures were assessed at week 15 when active was compared with placebo but all parameters were evaluated at baseline, week 15 and week 30. Two separate statistical analyses were undertaken, a Full Sample Analysis (FSA) in which all missing values were replaced with the worst result observed and a Valid for Efficacy (VFE) analysis in which those patients who had serious protocol violations were excluded. This resulted in 14 patients being excluded from the VFE-analysis. The FSA analysis at week 15 showed a stabilizing effect of Colostrinin on cognitive function in ADAS-cog (p = 0.02) and on daily function in IADL (p = 0.02). The overall patient response was also in favour of the active (p = 0.03). Patients graded as mild on entry also showed a superior response of ADAS-cog compared with more advanced cases (p = 0.01). Evidence from this study indicates an early beneficial effect on cognitive symptoms and daily function. Colostrinin has potential value in the treatment AD.

Researchers use bioreactors in an attempt to greater simulate in vivo conditions in an in vitro environment. However, there is no commercially available bioreactor that allows for adjustable flow rates, simultaneous testing of multiple types of samples, and flow-induced fluid shear stress on the cells [1,2,3]. The proposed design is a perfusion bioreactor that allows testing of client-specific scaffolds. The setup must include chambers to accommodate multiple samples. The flow rate of the media through the system must be conducive to osteoblast proliferation. This media flow must also induce physiologically-relevant shear stresses on the seeded cells. Finally, the environment must be similar to biological conditions and maintain proper nutrient delivery, waste disposal, pH balance, and gas exchange. The projected design will utilize two peristaltic pumps to move media from the reservoir through the scaffolds in the growth chambers. Media will re-circulate through the closed-loop system, and a bleed port will allow for media sampling. Waste media will also be analyzed for glucose consumption and expression of several osteoblastic cell markers will be analyzed with the use of biochemical assays. The bioreactor must support the scaffolds and their relative physical dimensions. The environment must support the preferred SaOS-2 cell line and remain sterile for the duration of the experiment.

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Hyphema is a common consequence of mechanical ocular trauma. Blood in the anterior chamber (hyphema)can occur after blunt or lacerating trauma. Traumatic hyphema is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. Major complications of hyphema include secondary hemorrhage, secondary glaucoma, corneal staining and disturbances in visual acuity. The aim of our study was the retrospective analysis of patients with posttraumatic hyphema. According to a prospective protocol we studied 428 patients who were examined and treated at the Emergency Department of Department of Ophthalmology Medical University of Gdansk between 1998-2004 years (ears). Data obtained included age and sex. 81% of patients were man, 19% of patients were women. Mean age of patients with ocular hyphema 6-72 years. We determined initial and final visual acuities (visual acuity - distance Snellen acuity test), intraocular pressure measurement, biomicroscopy, fundus indirect ophthalmology, gonioscopy and US- examinations (sometimes). Data obtained also were: slitlamp examinations for hyphema size, hyphema grading and corneal clarity. Most hyphemas were small, occupying less than one- third of the volume of the anterior chamber. The most common associated injuries to the eye hyphema included corneal oedema, glaucoma (secondary glaucoma), cataract and mydriasis. Traumatic hyphema is therapeutic emergency. More preventive efforts (hospitalization) were necessary, especially for children. In our study we observed 89% patients with traumatic hyphema due to non - penetrating eye injury. The assault were responsible for hyphema in 30.1% of cases and traffic accidents in 38.7% of all hyphemas. Treatment of the hyphema is generally topical. Outcome is good (in more cases), if medical treatment was quickly instituted. Surgical treatment must be reserved for a special cases, but it needs more further investigations.

The authors express their criticism on the currently prevailing Polish diagnostic and therapeutic criteria of transsexualism. Relying on their clinical experience and expertise (opinions for the court) as well as current literature, they point to the necessity of a discussion between specialists from various medical fields (psychiatry, sexology, urology, surgery, endocrinology, genetics) and humanistic sciences (psychology, sociology, law, ethics) on this interdisciplinary phenomenon.

To evaluate whether the level of carnitine in human lens is affected by development of cataract.The study covers 52 cases of cataract lenses extracted by ECCE. The nucleus of each lens was analyzed according to the level of total and free carnitine. The amount of cataract was determined by the microscopic and ophthalmoscopic examination. Cataracts were divided into 3 groups depending on the advanced degree of cataract.It was possible to find statistically significant difference in mean carnitine level of total and free carnitine between lenses with mature cataract and lenses with partial cataract. This level was lower approximately by 30% in the lenses with dense opacification. This could be another proof for protective role of carnitine in development of human cataract and could trigger more researchon the subject of its supplementation in patients in older age.

As Sjögren syndrome is regarded by ophthalmologists as a synonim of dry eye syndrome, we decided to evaluate how often these patients demonstrate other than ocular symptoms, especially systemic complications.We examined 30 patients with primary (PZS) and 45 patients with secondary Sjögren syndrome (WZS).Pathological findings in course of Sjogren syndrome concerned predominantly eyes (94%) and mucous membrane of the mouth (91%), salivary glands (65%) and skin. The most frequent complaint was fatigue (91%).Sjogren syndrome is a chronic systemic disease, in which predominant symptoms are: dryness of mucous membranes, chronic fatigue, painful joints and stomach disturbances.

We present our result of topical administration of iodine in group of patients with corpus vitreous degeneration.Corpus vitreous degeneration was studied in 360 patients (660 eyes), 184 male and 176 female. Treatment last form 6 to 12 month. We administrate iodine 3-4 times a day as an eye drops. The untreated control group consist of 110 person (204 eyes) 80 male and 50 female with similar corpus vitreous degeneration.The results are discussed in relation to our own vitreous degeneration scale. We come to a conclusion that topical administration of iodine reduce corpus vitreous degeneration.

Investigations were carried out to clarify the role of autoimmune phenomena in the pathogenesis of human cataract. We determined the antibodies to lens proteins of serum in the following groups of patients: patients with senile cataract, patients with diabetic cataract, patients with diabetes mellitus, dependent of insulin and without cataract, patients without cataract and without diabetes mellitus (healthy adults), using the plate gel with double diffusion method described by Ouchterlony. 98% patients with senile cataract, 100% patients with diabetic cataract and only 12% healthy adults showed positive reactions to the test. There is little evidence so far, to incriminate immunological mechanisms in the pathogenesis of cataract.

Reduced perfusion in the choroidal vessels has been proposed as the vascular pathogenesis for AMD. As no specific therapy is currently available, the authors decided to evaluate the possible benefits of topically administrated betaxolol in non-exudative AMD patients. 114 randomly selected patients with NE AMD was divided into 2 groups: group I (64 patients) and group II (50 patients). The subjects in group I have been treated with topical 0.5% betaxolol, while in the group II with artificial tears twice daily for one year. None of the patients had received prior topical or systemic treatment lowering IOP. The subjects in both groups had follow-up for 1 year, during which lipoproteins' profile sampling was performed twice at baseline and after 52 weeks. Both, baseline and outcome measures included: complete ophthalmologic examination. The changes in serum lipoproteins levels varied, but the statistical analyze did not show the significant differences.

Aim of the study was to determine the types and frequency of orbital tumors and to assess the method of treatment relevant to patient, orbital and tumor data.Current classification of orbital tumors is presented. The retrospective analysis of 127 patients with orbital tumor treated in the Ophthalmology Clinic in Gdańsk in years 1991-2002 was carried out. The diagnosis was made with orbital biopsy in available cases, the clinical findings, imaging studies and histopatological examination.There were 91 cases of primary tumors, 33 of secondary lesions and 3 metastatic neoplasms. The surgical treatment was involved in 87 cases. 14 of them required the synergic action with radiotherapy and 4 with chemotherapy.The age of the studied group is an important factor affecting relative incidence of orbital tumors. With increasing age, malignant orbital tumors become more common. Orbital lesion may manifest the systemic neoplastic disease.

We present our own antiglaucoma procedure using glassy carbon fibre.Our procedure belongs to filtration type of antyglaucoma operations, so we call it carbofiltratio. 32 carbofiltratio procedures were performed. All our patients had neovascular glaucoma. Each patient complained of intensive pain, because of increasing intraocular pressure.The follow-up time was 3 month to 2 years. All patients were periodically tested for intraocular pressure, pain and condition of surgery spot. In most of our cases we achieved to reduce pain and intraocular pressure without hypotensive drugs. 34.4% of our procedure was insufficient. We had to make enucleation or reoperate. All these procedures were performed before 60 days after first operation.

To evaluate bacterial flora of conjunctival sac in patients with Sjogren syndrome and compare it with the flora of healthy individuals.Bacteriological test was performed on the swabs from the conjunctival sac of 15 patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (PS), 15 patients with secondary Sjögren syndrome (SS) and 30 healthy individuals, chosen at random.Most of the swabs, in every group, were aseptic. The bacteria found relatively often was Staphylococcus epidermidis or described as the Staphylococcus sp. coagulasonegative. Bacterias: Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium or Enterobacteriaceae were found rarely.There is no significant difference between bacterial flora of conjunctival sac of patients with PS and SS, when compared to healthy individuals.

The authors described two infant with Sandhoff's and Tay-Sachs disease. Tay-Sachs disease is well-known inherited disease leading to an accumulation of gangliosides in the brain and retina. Sandhoffs disease (GM2 gangliosidosis type 0) was diagnosed in an infant, in whom a progressive neurological disorder and cherry-red foveal spots were developed. In addition, to the general clinical examination, indirect ophthalnoscopy, blood white cells enzymatic examination are used to make definitive diagnosis. In this cases, the early eye fundus examination allowed us to make the proper diagnosis. The fundus change is characterized by the "cherry-red spot" in the central area.

We performed experimental investigations in vitro into the opsonization of Rh-positive erythrocytes by IgG anti-RhD antibodies and phagocytosis of erythrocytes in the vitreous body.The vitreous has been taken from the corpses of young people. Anti-RhD antibodies came from preparations 'Gamma anti-D 150'. 1% Erytrocyte suspension of ccDee phenotype has been applied. Phagocytosis assay was performed in the medium of the vitreous and in Hank's solution.Phagocytosis assay performed in the vitreous and in Hank's solution did not display statistically significant differences.The investigations in vitro presented here, proved that immunological reactions are really occurring in the vitreous body. They provide a base for the explanation of activity mechanism of anti-RhD antibodies injected intraoculary in cases of hemorrhages into vitreous body.

The paper proves to show the influence of new strategies in therapy of primary glaucoma, on the number of trabeculectomies performed.Sex, age, kind of glaucoma and indications to the surgery in patients treated in the Municipal Hospital of Gdynia in the years 1992-2003 have been analyzed.The number of hospitalized females was much higher than males. 60.34% of them were over 60 years old. In that period 865 patients were hospitalized, 614 with POAG and 251 with PACG. In 163 of them, 124 trabeculectomies were performed: in the years 1992-1997 and 39 in the period of 1998-2003 years.The decrease in trabeculectomies indicates more and more effective prophylaxis and treatment of glaucoma.

The aim of the study is to determine the influence of some selected immunological factors upon the pathogenesis of senile cataract and cataract in diabetic people. Immunofluorescent pictures of opacities lenses in senile cataract patients and in diabetic cataract patients were compared. The fluorescent microscopic examination of these preparations revealed green colored concrements. The concrements thus observed proved the presence of a given class immunoglobulin in the lenticular nucleus sections. In all preparations (100%), the presence of IgG was found. None concrements' of C4 and the fibrin were spotted in the observed preparations.

We demonstrate clinical material collected during several years, which illustrates the possibilities of immunotherapy in intravitreous hemorrhages.Immunotherapy was applied in 172 persons, Rh-positive in 174 eyes with intravitreal hemorrhages of a various etiology. The therapy consisted of injecting preparations containing IgG anti RhD antibodies into the vitreous.Visual acuity improvement has been obtained in 77.6% of eyes.Summing up the effects of immunotherapy of hemorrhages into the vitreous body, it is necessary to stress the simplicity of performance of the procedure, its insignificant invasions and security resulting from the application of natural, human immunoglobulin.

This study was designed to confirm or negate findings from earlier trials demonstrating that Colostrinin, a novel compound derived from ewes' colostrum, has potential in the treatment of mild or moderate Alzheimer's Disease (AD). 105 patients were recruited from six psychiatric centres in Poland. The trial consisted of a 15 week double-blind phase comparing Colostrinin with placebo, followed by a second 15 week open labelled phase when all patients received Colostrinin. The dosage of Colostrinin was 100 microg on alternate days for three weeks followed by two weeks drug-free. This cycle was repeated three times for each phase. The primary outcome measures used were Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive portion (ADAS-cog) and Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC). Secondary outcome measures were Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL); Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); ADAS-non cognitive test (ADAS-non cog); and overall Patient Response. The main outcome measures were assessed at week 15 when active was compared with placebo but all parameters were evaluated at baseline, week 15 and week 30. Two separate statistical analyses were undertaken, a Full Sample Analysis (FSA) in which all missing values were replaced with the worst result observed and a Valid for Efficacy (VFE) analysis in which those patients who had serious protocol violations were excluded. This resulted in 14 patients being excluded from the VFE-analysis. The FSA analysis at week 15 showed a stabilizing effect of Colostrinin on cognitive function in ADAS-cog (p = 0.02) and on daily function in IADL (p = 0.02). The overall patient response was also in favour of the active (p = 0.03). Patients graded as mild on entry also showed a superior response of ADAS-cog compared with more advanced cases (p = 0.01). Evidence from this study indicates an early beneficial effect on cognitive symptoms and daily function. Colostrinin has potential value in the treatment AD.

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the severity of extrapyramidal symptoms during treatment with olanzapine (10-20 mg) versus perphenazine (8-40 mg) using the Simpson Angus Scale (SAS). The secondary objective was to assess the safety profile and clinical efficacy of the investigated drugs.A total of 95 patients with schizophrenia who met the criteria for DSM-IV were randomized to a double-blind, 18 week prospective comparative trail conducted in Poland. The tolerance of treatment was assessed with the use of scales: BAS, SAS and UKU. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated with BPRS, PANSS and CGOI scales.For olanzapine patients, the severity of extrapyramidal symptoms improved after 3 first weeks of treatment, and significantly decreased from the baseline to endpoint. Perphenazine patients showed an increase of extrapyramidal symptoms. The difference of the SAS scores change was statistically significant between olanzapine and perphenazine groups. Akathisia symptoms decreased significantly in the olanzapine group during the treatment period, whereas symptoms of akathisia increased in the perphenazine group. Statistically significant differences of mean change of BAS total score from baseline to endpoint were noted between treatment groups Treatment--emergent adverse events occurred more frequently in patients receiving perphenazine (46%), than in patients receiving olanzapine (17%). The proportion of patients complying with improvement criteria for CGI scale score was statistically greater in the olanzapine group (72.7%) than in the perphenazine group (47.9%). Results of this study showed that the tolerance profile in patients taking olanzapine is superior to perphenazine.Olanzapine was better tolerated than perphenazine. After olanzapine treatment more subjects fulfilled the criterion of improvement and schizophrenic symptoms were less severe than in patients treated with perphenazine.

Vitamins B group are important ingredients of coenzymes. Provitamin B5 dexpanthenol is necessary in the processes of reconstruction of epithelium, has regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective of the study was to determine how the wounds of cornea and/or conjunctiva heal upon the application of D-panthenol/the medicine has been developed in the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Medical University of Gdańsk/.The activity of the medicine was tested in 40 eyes in the test group, a 40 eyes in the control group did not receive D-panthenol. The degree of the objective and subjective symptoms was assessed.The differences between the two groups commenced on the second day following the operation. Better effects were observed in patients receiving D-panthenol. Congestion and oedema of conjunctiva withdrew, the edges of wounds demonstrated smoothness and better adherence. Subjective feelings improved.1. Provitamin B5 contained in 5% drops and 5% gel of D-panthenol effectively accelerates the processes of healing the wounds of conjunctiva and cornea.

The objective of the study was, to determine whether the new medicine developed in the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Medical University of Gdańsk in the form of gel containing 5% of provitamin B5, was a good agent for applying into the contact surface of the Goldmann triple-mirror, while examining the retina.42 people were subject in the observation. 84 eyes, which had not been operated yet, were tested. One eye was examined by using the gel with provitamin B5/proper name D--panthenol/, the other eye by applying 3% methylcellulose. Congestion of conjunctiva, oedema and defects of cornea epithelium, and substance transparency as well as surface adherence were indicated.One obtained the statistical significance proving the lesser congestion effect, while applying D--panthenol. Better adherence of the preparation to the cornea surface and to the triple-mirror was noticed, which considerably improved the procedure of the very examination. D--panthenol protected and regenerated cornea epithelium.The gel containing provitamin B5 is a safe and convenient agent for application during the examination with a triple-mirror.

The purpose of the study is to present histopathological evaluation of orbital tissue encircling intraorbital implant and to present influence of glassy carbon on blood parameters of rabbits.We examined 20 rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) and 2 pigs (Suis Domesticus) with carbon orbital implants. Periodically the experimental animals were killed 5, 20, 35, 60, 100, 150 days after implantation of glassy carbon into the orbit. Encircling tissue was histopathologically examined. The blood was taken to analysis on 0, 5, 20, 35, 60, 100, 150 day after procedure.Histopathological specimens of rabbits did not show intolerance reaction of glassy carbon. Histopathological picture was typical of the "foreign body" reaction. Histopathological pictures of pigs did not show any reaction to implant. There was no deviation in blood parameters.We suggest that intraorbital glassy carbon implants do not induct intolerance reactions to orbital tissues. Glassy carbon implant does not have any influence on basic blood parameters of rabbits.

Long-term safety and efficacy of Exelon (rivastigmine) was evaluated in a multi-center open-label study of 62 patients with probable mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease living in community setting.The patients started treatment with 1.5 mg bid (3 mg/day) Exelon and were scheduled to receive doses of 1.5 mg bid Exelon escalating on a biweekly basis. The patients were maintained on the highest tolerated dose within the assigned dose range 1.5-6.0 mg bid (3-12 mg/day) for the rest of the study. Evaluations were scheduled at biweekly intervals for the first 8 weeks and subsequently at study weeks 12, 18 and 26. Effects of Exelon on cognition were evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and selected items of Alzheimer's disease assessment scale (ADAS-cog) and the staging of the disease was measured using the global deterioration scale (GDS). Safety was monitored by physical examinations, vital signs, laboratory tests, ECG recording and by the assessment of adverse events.55 patients completed the study (89%). Patients treated for 26 weeks showed the mean MMSE, ADAS-cog and GDS scores close to baseline values (p=NS) with no improvement and no deterioration. Exelon was generally well tolerated with 11% of patients withdrawing due to adverse events. The most frequently reported adverse events related to the gastrointestinal tract.In conclusion, the study data indicate that treatment with Exelon is safe, generally well tolerated and inhibits the progression of cognitive decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease over 26 weeks of treatment.

The cult indoctrination, mechanisms operating within sects, manipulation techniques and the role of the leader are presented in the article. Authors discuss personality features and situational factors leading to cult-entering and psychopathological effects on cult members. There are also the basics of brainwashing and its efficiency included, followed by the psychiatrists and families position in diagnosing and therapy of cultists.

The author describes present medical student curricula in psychiatry in Polish medical schools based on the questionnaire sent to all the lecturers of the subject in Poland. The questionnaire contained questions concerning the schedule of lectures, seminars and classes (the list of topics) as well as the number of hours of the forms of activities like interpersonal training, discussion groups, internship, etc. We also asked on which year of studies the course in psychiatry took place. The questionnaire included our request to describe the level of integration of psychiatry and other pre-clinical and clinical subjects as well as to enclose a recommended reading list (handbooks and other items of literature). The last question dealt with the problem of assessment of lectures and classes by students. The results of the questionnaire reveal great differences in the curricula of psychiatry in various schools in Poland. The differences lie both in the courses and the number of hours devoted to teaching psychiatry (in most schools it was 120 hours or less). In 7 schools students learn psychiatry in the 6th i.e. the last year of their studies. In 2 schools lectures in psychiatry are given in the th year. In Kraków and Gdańsk the courses in psychiatry consist of 150 and 160 hours respectively. The author proposes unification of the curricula in psychiatry concerning both the number of hours of classes and lectures, and topics as well as introducing the diagnostic and classifying criteria ICD-10 (WHO) since Poland is going to join EU.

Neuropsychiatric disturbances are frequent in connective tissue diseases. Little is known about the cerebral pathophysiology of Sjogren's syndrome, including cerebral blood flow disturbances. 99Tcm-HMPAO brain SPET was performed in 21 Sjogren's syndrome patients. We also studied 77 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 27 healthy individuals. Our results demonstrate the high rate of alterations in cerebral blood flow in Sjogren's syndrome, both psychoneurologically symptomatic and asymptomatic. Focal interhemispherical perfusion deficits were seen in 17 of 21 patients (80.9%) with Sjogren's syndrome: 13/15 symptomatic (86.6%) and 4/6 asymptomatic (66.6%). These changes were mostly localized in the prefrontal and frontal areas, occipital lobes and occipitoparietal area, and less frequently so in the temporal, parietal and central areas. Diffuse hypoperfusion of the frontal lobes (bilateral hypofrontality) was seen in 29% of patients in the Sjogren's group. An acetazolamide stress test was performed in seven patients. There was an increase in perfusion deficits in two patients, no change in two patients, and hypoperfusion decreased in three patients compared with baseline. The results indicate that most Sjogren's syndrome patients experience alterations in cerebral blood flow that are consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus, with heterogeneous reactivity to acetazolamide-induced hypercapnia. These alterations present as focal perfusion deficits and bilateral diffuse hypoperfusion of the lobes. The mechanism of cerebral blood flow alterations is unknown, although it might be the result of diffuse cerebral vasculitis.

The author makes an attempt at considering the most important achievements in psychiatry which have taken place in the global scale during the passing century, and the direction taken up by the development of global psychiatry in the coming century. The 20th century was characterised not only by the impressive development of science, thanks to which completely new possibilities opened up for global psychiatry, but also by the presence of extreme events that took place as a result of false ideologies such as fascism and communism. In the 20th century concepts like homicide, holocaust, the extermination of the mentally ill, experiments on people that are prohibited by the ethics of medicine and the elementary rules of humanity, etc. The paper includes the achievements of diagnosis and therapy of psychiatric disorders and the latest organisational solutions as well as the perspectives for further development of psychiatry. The author also implies the aims that psychiatry has to take up due to the numerous threats from our civilization: the technical-technological development, pollution of the natural environment, the negative changes in human values, the rising brutality in interhuman relations due to racial, national and religious conflicts and terrorism, the disappearing feeling of being safe in society, vision of hunger and poverty in many countries on a few continents, the danger of an epidemic outbreak of new unknown diseases caused by viral mutations, or genetics--the possible negative effects of genetic engineering (cloning of humans), etc. The author tries to define the role of psychiatry in preventing the threats of civilization.

The author argues with methodological requirements of scientific research in psychiatry especially as far as the estimation of the value of new psychotropic drugs is concerned. Periodical withdrawal of the drugs and double blind placebo controlled challenge in endogenous depression and psychosis as well as in pediatric psychiatry and psychogeriatry are considered to be inadmissible. The author warns against the possibility of judicial claim in case of fatal complications in psychiatric patients. The abuse of methodology has been named "methodologization of psychiatry" as compared to the discredited term "politicalization of psychiatry".

The author discusses the present state and needs of psychogeriatry in Poland. He considers the situation within the period of 33 years, which, in his opinion, has not been distinctly improved in spite of growth of old age disorders and various psycho-social threats connected with economical difficulties. The author discusses shortly the diagnostic criteria as well as the state of research on etiopathogenesis and treatment of the Alzheimer's disease.

Basal serum cortisol level was measured in patients with primary degenerative dementia. The diagnosis of primary degenerative dementia was made by the DSM-III-R criteria, and the severity of dementia was measured by use the Rosen et. al. scale. Additionally, the presence of depressive and paraphrenia syndromes was evaluated. The Hamilton scale was used for the evaluation of depression severity. Cortisol level was measured by radioimmune assay. Sixty three patients, 39 female and 24 male, were evaluated. The mean age for women was 69.54 and for men 71 years. Patients were divided into 3 groups: I--simple dementia, II--dementia with depression, III--dementia with paraphrenia. Positive correlation was found between basal cortisol level and the severity of dementia only in group I. Mean cortisol level in patients from group II and III was significantly different than in group I. Among female patients with depression the negative correlation between cortisol level and severity of dementia was found; no other correlations were proved. No correlation was found between the cortisol level and severity of dementia in Hamilton's scale.