
25/07/2025
What is Capgras Syndrome?
“That’s not my husband… it just looks like him.”
This heartbreaking belief is a symptom of Capgras Syndrome, a rare condition where someone with dementia becomes convinced that someone close to them—often a spouse or caregiver—has been replaced by an identical-looking impostor.
It’s not stubbornness or spite. It’s the brain misfiring connections between recognition and emotion. The face is familiar, but the emotional connection is gone—so their brain fills in the gap with a false but convincing belief.
If this happens:
• Don’t argue. Stay calm.
• Use soothing tone and gentle reassurance.
• Sometimes a change of scenery or stepping out of the room and returning helps reset the moment.
Capgras is one of the many ways dementia can show up—unexpected, confusing, and deeply emotional. You’re not alone in navigating it.
📞 If you need help understanding these symptoms, reach out. We’re here for you.