Old Age Psych

Question 1

Features of Charles-Bonnet syndrome?

Answer 1

Persistent/recurrent complex hallucinations often on background of visual impairments

Question 2

Risk factors for Charles-Bonnet Syndrome?

Answer 2

Advanced age,
Peripheral visual impairment,
Social isolation,
Sensory deprivation,
Early cognitive impairment.

Question 3

Factors which suggest depression > dementia?

Answer 3

short history, rapid onset
biological symptoms e.g. weight loss, sleep disturbance
patient worried about poor memory
reluctant to take tests, disappointed with results
mini-mental test score: variable
global memory loss (dementia characteristically causes recent memory loss)