Preliminary neuropsychological findings in individuals at high genetic risk for schizophrenia

An understanding of baseline cognitive function in individuals at high genetic risk for schizophrenia could provide important information about the neurodevelopmental course of the illness and assist with early detection. In an effort to identify potential markers for the illness, this study investigates domains of neuropsychological functioning in a sample of young individuals at risk for developing schizophrenia.

Twenty-two individuals with schizophrenia, 16 participants at high risk and 31 controls participated in comprehensive cognitive assessments.

Results support reports of a trend for high-risk participants to score intermediate to the other groups on a general cognitive battery, as well as evidencing deficits in specific skills like visual memory. The pattern appears to exist independently of and prior to the onset of prodromal symptoms.

These findings support the hypothesis that a common cognitive pattern exists across individuals with genetic risk that may later develop into a clear psychotic illness. Further longitudinal investigation with larger cohorts is crucial to understanding these findings.