Verbal memory deficits in schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by multifactorial etiology, encompassing genetic and environmental risk factors, as well as structural brain abnormalities. The disorder manifests through a spectrum of symptoms, broadly categorized as positive, negative, and cognitive impairments. Among these cognitive deficits, verbal memory impairment stands out as a substantial and pivotal symptom of schizophrenia, significantly predicting future functional outcomes. This deficit primarily arises from a substantial decline in encoding ability coupled with a mild increase in forgetting rate. To assess the extent of this impairment, word list learning tasks are commonly employed. Research has established a clear association between verbal memory deficits and alterations in hippocampal volume, aberrant brain responses, and anomalies in spontaneous brain activity. Although targeted pharmacological interventions for verbal memory deficits are currently lacking, medications aimed at enhancing cognitive function, such as aripiprazole, present a viable interim option. Future research endeavors should focus on exploring the fundamental aspects of memory and brain structure and function, while incorporating advanced techniques like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) into investigations of verbal memory deficits. Additionally, the development of animal models capable of simulating verbal memory deficits holds promise for advancing our understanding of this critical aspect of schizophrenia.