Project Summary

Martine Simard, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2005) of Centre de Reserche and Laval University, aims to characterize the cognitive profile of subjects with very-late-onset schizophrenia-like psychotic disorders (VLOSD; illness onset after 60 years of age) versus that of subjects with an earlier onset of schizophrenia disorders (EOSD; illness onset before 40 years of age), and to verify if subjects with VLSOD experience a more severe cognitive decline and develop more dementias over time than subjects with EOSD. To study these populations, Dr. Simard will perform a neuropsychological longitudinal study comparing 25 patients with VLOSD, 25 patients with EOSD and 25 control subjects. The VLOSD, EOSD and control groups will receive a first follow-up neuropsychological assessment (minimum two years after the baseline, according to the database entries) including tests of general cognitive functioning, memory, language, executive and visuospatial functions. They will be re-assessed two years later with the same battery. Changes over time between the various groups on the cognitive tests will be analyzed. A better characterization of these disorders should improve the diagnosis of schizophrenia and the understanding of prodromal phases of neurodegenerative conditions. Findings eventually could help clinicians differentiate VLOSD from late-life depression.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

Search Again