Evolution of Capgras syndrome in neurodegenerative disease: the multiplication phenomenon

Neurocase. 2021 Apr;27(2):160-164. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2021.1905850. Epub 2021 Apr 15.

Abstract

Capgras syndrome (CS) is a delusional misidentification syndrome that is encountered in various pathologies. Here, we report the case of an 83-year-old woman affected by dementia with Lewy bodies who presented a CS during the disease. The neuropsychological assessment showed executive and face processing deficits. In this case, CS was characterized, in the beginning, by the duplication of a relative and then by its multiplication. To our knowledge, the description of the evolution of a CS in the course of a neurodegenerative disease is rare and we discuss this multiplication phenomenon in light of existing models of delusions.

Keywords: Capgras syndrome; delusional misidentification; dementia with Lewy bodies; multiplication phenomenon; neurodegenerative disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Capgras Syndrome* / complications
  • Delusions / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / complications
  • Neuropsychological Tests