Differentiating The Cognitive Impairment of Clinically Stable Schizophrenia from Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background: Cognitive deficit is common and considered as the core feature of both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and schizophrenia. However, only a few studies have directly compared cognitive profiles of these two conditions. The objective of the study was to compare the cognitive profiles of patients with schizophrenia to those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: Participants consisted of three groups; 42 normal controls, 42 patients with schizophrenia and 42 people with MCI. They were matched 1:1:1 with comparable educational levels. Cognitive functions were assessed using the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III.

Results: Recall memory and naming subdomains were significantly lower in the MCI group as compared to patients with schizophrenia, but did not differ on attention, verbal fluency, clock drawing test, language and visuospatial ability. Logistic regression and diagnostic prediction model demonstrated that the MCI group is best differentiated from the schizophrenia group using recall memory and naming scores.

Conclusions: The cognitive profiles in patients with schizophrenia and MCI are different. In this study, naming and recall memory were less impaired in patients with schizophrenia than in people with MCI. The results of this study might provide some clues for clinicians on how to distinguish between cognitive impairment in elder patients with schizophrenia versus people with MCI.

To cite this article: Charernboon T. Differentiating The Cognitive Impairment of Clinically Stable Schizophrenia from Mild Cognitive Impairment. Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology 2020;30(2):122-127