CAPGRAS-SYNDROME IN VASCULAR DEMENTIA - RECOGNITION MEMORY AND VISUALPROCESSING

Face recognition memory and the processing of tachistoscopically prese nted visual stimuli were investigated in two subjects with Capgras syn drome coexisting with vascular dementia. The subjects were both found to have impairment of face recognition memory as well as impairment of verbal recognition memory. One of the subjects was found to have a re versal of the usual advantage of the right hemisphere for processing p erceptual stimuli which were visually similar. The failure to find thi s reversed pattern in the other subject was attributed to CT scan evid ence of an old anterior infarct of his left hemisphere. The neuropsych ological basis of Capgras syndrome is discussed in the light of these findings.