Medical hypotheses
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Alzheimer disease, Pick disease and senile dementia are all characterized by similar morphological changes, both macroscopic and microscopic, and similar psychiatric symptoms. All three should, therefore, be viewed as aspects of one disease, which is termed Alzheimer-type dementia. ⋯ There might be two main means of preventing Alzheimer-type dementia: the first could be named the serological (basic) and the second relying on pharmacotherapy (additional). Pharmacological prevention of disease might be aided by the use of parasympathomimetic drugs, e.g. pilocarpine.
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The general deterioration of the arterial system is well recognized but not easily measured. Leg pulse waves, generated by the electric impedance plethysmograph, would seem to be a promising method. This study is a mathematical analysis of these pulse waves from the legs. ⋯ The two methods used, one involving mathematical calculations and one involving graphic measurements, showed that a number can be put on the pulse wave. The higher the number, theoretically the better the circulation. Then if a treatment scheme can substantially raise the patient's pulse wave number, it might be expected to increase the longevity of their circulatory system.