Semantic memory is impaired in schizophrenia.
Memory is emerging as a key area of neuropsychological deficit in schizophrenia, with evidence suggesting that the impairment is restricted to long-term memory. Semantic memory, the component of long-term memory containing stored representations of the meanings of words and knowledge about the world, was examined in 46 schizophrenic patients and 40 normal controls using a recently devised battery of tests. Evidence of semantic memory impairment was found which was wide ranging and substantial; in some cases it approached the levels seen in a group of 22 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Both group analysis and a more detailed examination of two single cases suggested that semantic memory impairment represents a disproportionate and possibly specific neuropsychological deficit in schizophrenia.
McKay
A P
AP
Academic Department of Psychiatry, Fulbourn Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
McKenna
P J
PJ
Bentham
P
P
Mortimer
A M
AM
Holbery
A
A
Hodges
J R
JR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D014888:Wechsler Scales