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Episodic memory in schizophrenic patients and their relatives
T Toulopoulou1, S Rabe-Hesketh, H King
1Division of Psychological Medicine [Box 63], Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, , London SE5 8AF, UK. t.toulopoulou@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Schizophrenia Research
|September 6, 2003
Summary
Genetic liability to schizophrenia may manifest as verbal memory deficits in relatives. This study found significant verbal memory impairment in healthy relatives of schizophrenia patients, suggesting a shared genetic basis for cognitive dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with cognitive impairments.
- Healthy relatives of schizophrenia patients exhibit memory dysfunction, suggesting a genetic link.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature of memory dysfunction transmitted in families with schizophrenia.
- To determine if cognitive deficits are present in healthy relatives of schizophrenia patients.
Main Methods:
- Assessed memory function in 62 schizophrenia patients, 98 healthy relatives, and 66 controls.
- Utilized Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) subtests for immediate/delayed recall, retention, and learning (verbal and visual).
- Assessed general intellectual function using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R).
Main Results:
- Schizophrenia patients showed significant memory deficits compared to controls.
- Relatives exhibited deficits in verbal memory (Logical Memory) and visual learning (Abstract Paired Associates).
- Verbal memory impairment was more pronounced than other deficits and persisted even after excluding certain diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Familial liability to schizophrenia may be expressed as verbal memory dysfunction.
- Cognitive impairment in relatives suggests a shared genetic influence on schizophrenia and memory deficits.