A randomized controlled trial of working memory and processing speed training in schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Cognitive training may improve cognition in schizophrenia, but optimal training targets remain unclear.
• Working memory (WM) and processing speed (PS) are key cognitive domains impaired in schizophrenia.
• Understanding transfer effects of WM and PS training is crucial for improving daily functioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate near-transfer, far-transfer, and real-world gains from WM and PS training in schizophrenia.
• Determine if targeting low- or mid-level cognitive processes benefits schizophrenia patients.
• Clarify the efficacy of domain-specific cognitive training for schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 83 participants with schizophrenia, randomly assigned to WM training, PS training, or control.
• Utilized computerized training modules for WM and PS.
• Assessed outcomes including WM, PS, fluid intelligence, executive functioning, social cognition, and daily functioning.

Main Results:

• Processing speed (PS) training yielded significant improvements in untrained PS tasks and related far-transfer tasks.
• Working memory (WM) training showed no gains in untrained WM tasks and inconsistent far-transfer effects.
• Neither training approach demonstrated significant gains in higher-order cognition or daily functioning.

Conclusions:

• Domain-specific training, particularly PS training, shows some benefit for cognitive function in schizophrenia.
• Far-transfer to other cognitive domains and real-world functioning was limited following targeted WM or PS training.
• Further research is needed to understand cognitive training mechanisms and optimize interventions for schizophrenia.