Visual hallucinations and sensory delusions in the elderly.

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Psychiatry
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Visual hallucinations are reported in a significant portion of patients referred to psychogeriatric services.
• Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of visual hallucinations in this population is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of visual hallucinations in patients referred to a psychogeriatrician.
• To identify factors associated with visual hallucinations, including demographics, illness characteristics, and comorbidities.
• To analyze the phenomenological characteristics of reported visual hallucinations.

Main Methods:

• One hundred and fifty consecutive referrals to a psychogeriatrician were evaluated.
• Patients were assessed for the presence and characteristics of visual hallucinations.
• Statistical analyses were performed to identify correlations with demographic, clinical, and cognitive variables.

Main Results:

• Visual perceptual disturbances were reported by 44 (29.33%) patients.
• No significant differences were found between hallucinators and non-hallucinators regarding sex, age, illness duration, psychiatric diagnosis, or cognitive score.
• A significant correlation was observed between the presence of hallucinations and eye pathology (p < .001) and delusions (p < .001).
• The 'picture' sign was noted in 7 patients, and Charles Bonnet syndrome in two.

Conclusions:

• Visual hallucinations are a notable symptom in psychogeriatric referrals, frequently associated with underlying eye pathology and delusions.
• The findings suggest that visual disturbances in this population warrant thorough ophthalmological and psychiatric evaluation.
• Further investigation into the specific phenomenology and underlying mechanisms of visual hallucinations in the elderly is warranted.