Open AccessCognitive Functioning in Older Adults With Schizophrenia
Author(s) -
Tessa Murante,
Carl I. Cohen
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
focus/focus (american psychiatric publishing. online)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1541-4108
pISSN - 1541-4094
DOI - 10.1176/appi.focus.20160032
Subject(s) - schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , cognition , psychosocial , psychology , cognitive skill , dementia , cognitive remediation therapy , clinical psychology , psychosis , psychiatry , medicine , disease , pathology
Cognitive deficits are thought to be a core feature in schizophrenia and have been found to be strongly associated with impairments in functioning. It is estimated that more than 70% of patients with schizophrenia have cognitive impairment. The aim of this article is to critically review the emerging literature on cognition in older adults with schizophrenia. Specifically, we address the following questions: Are there differences in cognitive functioning between older adults with schizophrenia and their healthy age peers as well as with younger people with schizophrenia? What are the factors associated with cognitive deficits and their interaction over time? What are the life course trajectories of cognitive deficits, especially in later life? Are older adults with schizophrenia more likely to develop dementia, and, if so, does it differ from other dementias? Are there pharmacological and psychosocial interventions that can successfully treat cognitive deficits in older adults with schizophrenia?