‘I am dead’: Cotard syndrome and dementia

AbstractBackground: Cotard syndrome is a rare condition whose main feature is a nihilistic delusion ranging from the denial of body parts to that of the existence of one’s own life or even the entire universe.Objectives: The aim of this article is to review the nosological significance of Cotard syndrome and to explore the disorder among patients with dementia.Methods: Medline and Google Scholar searches were conducted for relevant articles, chapters and books published before 2018. Search terms used included Cotard delusion, Cotard syndrome and dementia, nihilistic delusion. Publications found through this indexed search were reviewed for further relevant references.Results and conclusion: In this narrative review we emphasise the fact that cases of Cotard syndrome involving patients with dementia are reported quite infrequently. Published studies are limited to very short series or isolated cases. Clinicians are obliged to treat the disorder. They should be alert to the potential high risk inherent in t...