Effect of metabolic abnormalities on cognitive performance and clinical symptoms in schizophrenia

Abstract

Aim of the studyThe objective of this study is to determine whether and how metabolic abnormalities are associated with clinical symptoms and cognitive performance in schizophrenia.Subject or material and methods46 adult patients with schizophrenia taking first- or second generation antipsychotics were included in the study. The following data were collected: BMI, abdominal circumference, lipid panel and blood glucose, blood pressure and treatment of comorbidities. Clinical symptoms were assessed using PANSS, CDSS, CGI and SAS scales. Cognitive performance was assessed using CNS Vital Signs computerized battery of tests: Verbal Memory test, Visual Memory test, Finger Tapping Test, Symbol Digit Coding, Stroop Test, Shifting Attention Test, and Continuous Performance Test.ResultsDyslipidemia, raised LDL and raised blood glucose levels were the best predictors of more severe clinical symptoms (PANSS, PANSS P, PANSS G, CGI) and lower neurocognitive index, worse cognitive flexibility, executive functions, complex attention composite memory, verbal memory, slower reaction time and worse performance in SAT, CPT, ST tests. Obesity was associated with worse results in VBM, VIM, FTT, SDC tests. Raised blood pressure was associated with improvements in all cognitive domains and better performance in SAT, CPT, ST tests.DiscussionThere are several weak associations between severity of clinical symptoms and metabolic abnormalities. Most of these were for blood glucose levels and raised blood glucose. Lipids and glucose abnormalities are the best predictors of deteriorated cognitive performance. Contrary to previous observations, raised blood pressure was associated with better results in cognitive tests.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that cognitive impairment and metabolic abnormalities may be linked in patients with schizophrenia.