Visual perceptual disorders resembling the Charles Bonnet syndrome. A study of 434 consecutive patients referred to a psychogeriatric unit

Abstract

In a retrospective study of 434 consecutive patients referred for consultation to a psychogeriatric unit over a period of 3.5 years, the diagnostic categories of the group were recorded, and in this paper their management is briefly discussed. Eight cases of visual perceptual disorders resembling the Charles Bonnet syndrome in elderly patients are described. Three significant findings emerged for these eight patients; the preponderance of female to male patients, the presence of eye pathology with poor vision, and the high mean age of 83.8 years.