Strategy for Semantic Association Memory (SESAME) training: Effects on brain functioning in schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Schizophrenia is characterized by impaired self-initiation of semantic encoding strategies, leading to memory deficits.
• Previous work suggests brief training can enhance strategy initiation in schizophrenia patients.
• Understanding the neural underpinnings of these improvements is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural correlates of memory improvement following strategy training in schizophrenia.
• To examine the role of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in strategy-based memory enhancement.
• To determine if structural brain measures predict treatment response.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen schizophrenia patients with memory deficits underwent the Strategy for Semantic Association Memory (SESAME) training.
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess brain activity during a memory task pre- and post-training.
• Cortical thickness of the left DLPFC was measured to assess structural reserve.

Main Results:

• Memory performance significantly improved after SESAME training.
• Improved memory was associated with increased fMRI activity in the left DLPFC during self-initiated semantic encoding.
• Greater cortical thickness in the left DLPFC predicted larger memory improvements post-training.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive strategy training can enhance memory performance in schizophrenia by improving self-initiated semantic encoding.
• Neural plasticity in the left DLPFC underlies these memory improvements.
• Structural integrity of the left DLPFC may serve as a biomarker for predicting treatment response in schizophrenia memory interventions.