PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND SUCCESSFUL CEREBRAL AGING

1. Aging is characterized by a progressive loss of coordinated functio ns with a loss of complexity in all physiologic systems and a gradual decrease in the adaptability to the environment. A number of different theories of aging are briefly reviewed and pharmacologic intervention with, or rate control of the aging process is entertained. 2. Dementi a is characterized by a progressive, non-specific disintegration of pe rsonality with cognitive decline. The distinctiveness of the disease p rocess which underlies dementing illness from the aging process is emp hasized. A number of different pharmacologic treatment modalities with a potential for interfering with cognitive decline and for providing disease control in dementing illness are considered. 3. Nootropics are defined as substances which facilitate integration through activation of physiologic adaptation. The possibility is entertained that nootro pics through their particular action mechanisms might interfere with b oth the dementing process (i.e., disintegration of personality) and th e aging process (i.e., loss of coordinated functions).