Cognitive Impairment Associated with Schizophrenia: insights and treatment perspectives

Cognitive Impairment Associated with Schizophrenia (CIAS) is a major determinant of clinical outcomes and everyday functioning in schizophrenia. As such, it represents a field of research that is currently showing a consistent and ever-growing intertest. A comprehensive assessment of CIAS is crucial for effective management of schizophrenia. In this regard, several validated assessment tools are now available; among these, the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia are the most strongly recommended. An emerging and clinically meaningful paradigm in CIAS assessment is the systematic identification and treatment of potentially reversible contributors to secondary cognitive impairment, which may substantially improve real-world outcomes. Treatment should begin with the optimization of pharmacotherapy, followed by evidence-based non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive remediation and aerobic physical exercise, both supported by strong evidence. Further research and more effort are currently needed to raise awareness on CIAS and to foster the dissemination and the implementation of evidence-based approaches to its management and treatment.