Visual hallucinations in parkinson’s disease: Experience from a portuguese level 3 hospital

Abstract

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative pathology characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms. Hallucinations, especially visual ones, are frequent in this context, with an estimated prevalence of 16 to 40% and associated with a less favorable prognosis. These hallucinations can range from coarse formations to well-defined structures.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of visual hallucionations in a sample of patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in a Neurology Department of a Level III portuguese hospital. The sample included patients with Parkinson’s Disease observed in an outpatient Neurology appointment between October 1 and December 9, 2019.

Results

In the period considered, 100 patients with Parkinson’s disease were observed, 65% male, with an average age of 69 years. In 11% of the patients visual hallucinations were reported, of which about half were well defined. All of them had no previous history of visual hallucinations and were under dopaminergic medication.

Conclusions

The results show an inferior prevalence when comparing to the literature, albeit still frequent. Therapeutic adequacy has a well recognised impact at a functional level and prognosis. Therefore we stress the importance of a regular follow-up of these patients, recommending a rigorous and comprehensive clinical review.