Capgras syndrome (CS) presents a unique diagnostic and management challenge, particularly when associated with neurodegenerative conditions. This case report describes a 73-year-old female diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD) who developed CS, manifesting as the delusional belief that her deceased husband had been replaced by an imposter. The clinical presentation was complex, including pronounced sleep disturbances, cognitive decline, behavioral anomalies, and visual hallucinations, necessitating a thorough differential diagnosis process. We detail the patient’s history, clinical findings, and the investigations undertaken, including brain imaging and cognitive assessments. The management approach involved a personalized treatment plan integrating Lithium sulfate, Citalopram, and Lurasidone, alongside psychosocial interventions. While a partial improvement was observed, the case underscores the complexities of managing CS in the context of LBD, highlighting the need for tailored and multidisciplinary approaches to care. This case contributes to the limited literature on CS in LBD and provides practical insights for clinicians managing similar presentations.

Beyond the Imposter: Deciphering Capgras Syndrome and Multidisciplinary Management

Manuel Glauco Carbone
;
Rossella Miccichè;Camilla Callegari;Beniamino Tripodi;
2025-01-01

Abstract

Capgras syndrome (CS) presents a unique diagnostic and management challenge, particularly when associated with neurodegenerative conditions. This case report describes a 73-year-old female diagnosed with Lewy body dementia (LBD) who developed CS, manifesting as the delusional belief that her deceased husband had been replaced by an imposter. The clinical presentation was complex, including pronounced sleep disturbances, cognitive decline, behavioral anomalies, and visual hallucinations, necessitating a thorough differential diagnosis process. We detail the patient’s history, clinical findings, and the investigations undertaken, including brain imaging and cognitive assessments. The management approach involved a personalized treatment plan integrating Lithium sulfate, Citalopram, and Lurasidone, alongside psychosocial interventions. While a partial improvement was observed, the case underscores the complexities of managing CS in the context of LBD, highlighting the need for tailored and multidisciplinary approaches to care. This case contributes to the limited literature on CS in LBD and provides practical insights for clinicians managing similar presentations.
2025
2025
Capgras syndrome; delusional belief; Lewy body dementia; misidentification; salience
Carbone, Manuel Glauco; Merati, Tommaso; Miccichè, Rossella; Callegari, Camilla; Tripodi, Beniamino; Tagliarini, Claudia; Maremmani, Icro; Marazziti, ...espandi
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11383/2196531
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