Coupling physical exercise with dietary glucose supplement for treating cognitive impairment in schizophrenia: a theoretical model and future directions.
OBJECTIVE
Metabolic dysregulation may disrupt the complex neuroprotective mechanisms essential for brain health. Recent studies have pointed out the possible aetiological role of metabolic dysregulation in the onset of schizophrenia and the associated cognitive impairment. In this paper, we aimed to generate a theoretical model of how a combination of physical exercise and dietary glucose supplement may help to alleviate cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.


METHODS
Literature on metabolic dysregulation, especially insulin resistance, in relation to the onset of schizophrenia and the associated cognitive impairment is reviewed. The cognitive enhancement effects of physical exercise and dietary glucose supplement are then summarised. Finally, we propose a theoretical model based on the concerted effects of physical exercise and glucose supplement.


RESULTS
In general, the joint action of physical exercise and dietary glucose supplement could up-regulate glucose and insulin transport into the brain, as well as augmenting the release of insulin growth factor-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Physical exercise and glucose supplement could enhance energy supply and neuroplasticity in brain, subsequently leading to potential cognitive enhancement in schizophrenia. However, glucose supplement is not suitable for patients with abnormal metabolic profile.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of physical exercise and glucose supplement has potential therapeutic values in treating cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Further research is necessary to investigate the optimal patterns of exercise and doses of glucose for treating cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Yuet-Keung
YK
Li
Christy Lai-Ming
CL
Hui
Edwin Ho-Ming
EH
Lee
Wing-Chung
WC
Chang
Sherry Kit-Wa
SK
Chan
Chung-Ming
CM
Leung
Eric Yu-Hai
EY
Chen
D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005947:Glucose / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008954:Models, Biological; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D005947:Glucose
cognitive impairment; exercise; glucose supplement; schizophrenia