The clinical record presented by this patient is that of an
organic cerebral disorder, with predominant involvement of the
frontal lobes and basal ganglia. The mental disintegration of
the patient renders him incapable of comprehending his
environment, and of reacting normally to it. He remains
uniformly apathetic and disinterested, intellectually retarded
to a very marked degree, and shows no evidence of spontaneous
activity.
The above findings are such as are found in the degenerative
changes associated with senility. The findings in the visceral
organs are likewise compatible with the diagnosis of senile
degeneration.
The clinical course, from the evidence obtained, has been that
of a gradual decline over a period of years, with more rapid
deterioration during the past year. Such deterioration will
continue, and would be rapidly accelerated, with immediate
danger to the patient’s life, were he to be moved from his
present location.