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Glucose-induced increase in memory performance in patients with schizophrenia
J W Newcomer1, S Craft, R Fucetola
1Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|July 23, 1999
Summary
This study found that increasing glucose availability improved verbal memory in schizophrenia patients, but not in healthy or bipolar disorder controls. This suggests glucose may be a potential therapeutic target for memory deficits in schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Psychiatry
Background:
- Previous research indicates that enhanced glucose availability can improve memory in various populations, including those with Alzheimer's disease.
- The impact of glucose on cognitive function in schizophrenia remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute glucose administration on cognitive performance in patients with schizophrenia.
- To compare these effects with those observed in healthy controls and individuals with bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted involving patients with schizophrenia, healthy controls, and individuals with bipolar disorder.
- Participants received either a glucose-saccharin mixture or saccharin alone, followed by cognitive testing, including a paragraph recall task.
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients showed improved verbal memory performance in the glucose condition compared to the saccharin condition.
- No significant memory enhancement was observed in the healthy or bipolar disorder control groups.
Conclusions:
- Increased circulating glucose availability may enhance verbal memory in individuals with schizophrenia.
- Further research is warranted to explore glucose modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy for cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.