Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

Brain Protein Affects Schizophrenia Memory

Researchers in Canada have come upon an amazing discovery. It was found that low levels of complexins (a brain protein) are correlated with impaired memory and other cognitive impairments in those with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia can affect one's planning, memory, and abstract thinking.

The study looked at the brain tissue samples of both humans and animals. The human samples were taken from people with schizophrenia who had passed away as well as mentally healthy individuals who had passed away (for comparison). "The animal studies showed that learning and memory in animals is associated with increases in complexins. The human studies showed that these same proteins were decreased in the brains of people who had schizophrenia, and especially so in those who also had significant memory problems" (Macleans.ca, 2005). Complexins are a much needed protein for both our memory and our cognitive well-being.

One of the researchers stated that treating the cognitive problems that come with schizophrenia could help with the overall recovery from this disease. The positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia get a lot of attention, but it is important to keep in mind that schizophrenia can lead to serious cognitive impairment. The symptom of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is something that needs to be fixed as well.

The scientists involved in this study believe that increasing one's complexin levels in the brain is the key to improving one's cognitive impairment. Doing so might require "drug therapeutic interactions" or even "psychosocial techniques." The next step is figuring out how exactly to increase one's complexin levels.

Original Source: Brain proteins affect memory in schizophrenia. Macleans.ca. August 9, 2005.