Grant: Project Grant

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder that affects about 1% of the Canadian population. Cognitive problems, such as difficulties in remembering, focusing and planning, are among the most disabling symptoms of the illness. For instance, cognitive problems make it more difficult for individuals with schizophrenia to finish school and retain stable employment. Consequently, these symptoms cause most of the economic burden associated with schizophrenia. Yet, there are no medications to treat these symptoms. Development of drug treatments for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia has been hindered by the lack of understanding of the underlying neurobiology. The cholinergic system of the brain is important for normal cognitive abilities. Research has shown that, in dementias, a dysfunction of this system is related to impaired cognition. It has been proposed that dysfunctions in the cholinergic system would also underlie cognitive problems in schizophrenia. However, this hypothesis has not been tested. Therefore, the current study is designed to investigate if people with schizophrenia have a dysfunction in the cholinergic system of the brain. We will also test if this dysfunction is related to the degree of cognitive deficits in individuals with schizophrenia. This research will produce fundamental new knowledge about the neurobiology of schizophrenia. Ultimately, our findings will help design more effective treatments for cognitive deficits in people with schizophrenia.