The Effects of Metabolic Abnormalities on Cognitive Function in Schizophrenic Patients

Project: A - Government Institutionb - National Science and Technology Council

Project Details

Description

Schizophrenia is often associated with cognitive deficits, particularly within the domains of memory and executive function. Cognitive impairment is observed prior to the onset of psychotic symptoms and is regarded as the main reason for the functional disability in schizophrenia patients. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with schizophrenia has been reported to be much higher than general population and ranged from 24% to 43% in males and from 27% to 52% in females in previous investigations. The metabolic disorders significantly increase cardiovascular risk and lead to early mortality. In schizophrenia, these two worst outcomes- functional disability (attributed to cognitive impairment) and metabolic abnormality- may be linked. To the best of our knowledge, only few studies specifically addressed the influences of metabolic factors on cognitive functions of schizophrenic patients. The impacts of these metabolic factors on cognitive functions of schizophrenic patients remain underexplored. In this proposal, we will testify the association and time course of cognitive declines and metabolic disorders in schizophrenic patients. This 3-year proposal broadly aims to test the hypothesis that there is an association between cognitive impairment and metabolic abnormality in schizophrenia. Three hundred Taiwanese schizophrenic patients will participate in the prospective study. They will receive laboratory tests for metabolic assessment and evaluation of neurocognitive and psychopathologic status at baseline and 18 months later. In detailed, we will achieve the following specific aims: Primary Aims: (1) To compare the neurocognitive function in schizophrenic patients with metabolic syndrome vs. without metabolic syndrome (2) To compare the individual domains of neurocognitive function in schizophrenic patients with metabolic syndrome vs. without metabolic syndrome (3) To compare the effects of individual factors of metabolic syndrome on the neurocognitive function in schizophrenic patients (4) To investigate the time course of neurocogntive changes in schizophrenic patients with metabolic syndrome vs. without metabolic syndrome Secondary Aims: (1) To investigate the prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome in schizophrenic patients (2) To investigate the role of inflammation markers in the developing metabolic disorder and cognitive decline (3) To assess the effects neurocognitive function on the quality of life in schizophrenic patients (4) To study the relationships between demographic factors and cognitive function in schizophrenic patients We have investigated the metabolic disorders among schizophrenic patients from different aspects, including genetics, hormone, pharmacology, and epidemiology. In this project, we design a cohort study and incorporate neurocognition in assessment battery. Building upon the solid foundation of research expertise developed during the last years, I plan to employ innovative methodology for significantly improving schizophrenia’s research and treatment. I believe that I will be competent for and devoted to the conduction of this proposed study.
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date8/1/147/31/15

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