Dementia with lewy bodies and charles bonnet syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Ophthalmologists may be the first to hear about formed visual hallucinations in the setting of visual loss. Although such hallucinations are likely benign and occur in association with the Charles Bonnet syndrome, it is important to be aware of the strong association of hallucinations with dementia with Lewy bodies because the latter diagnosis is associated with significant prognostic and therapeutic implications for the patient.

METHODS

Single case report.

RESULTS

A patient with macular disease was presumed to have formed hallucinations due to the Charles Bonnet syndrome and was subsequently diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies after being admitted to a psychiatric facility.

CONCLUSION

Both patients with the Charles Bonnet syndrome and patients with dementia with Lewy bodies can present with formed visual hallucinations. Ophthalmologists and retina specialists, in particular, should be familiar with the features of dementia with Lewy bodies because the diagnosis of this condition can allow appropriate intervention and help prevent drug-related side effects. If there is any suspicion of early dementia in such patients, they may benefit from neuropsychiatric evaluation.