Neural Impact of Cognitive Remediation for Schizophrenia in a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Cognitive remediation training for schizophrenia has been shown to have modest influence on both cognitive and psychosocial functioning, but much is not understood about the neurobiology associated with these interventions. The current randomized placebo-controlled trial and review sought to replicate and expand on previous findings demonstrating that improvements from cognitive remediation are associated with changes in prefrontal brain activation and functional connectivity. Results suggest that cognitive remediation influences both prefrontal and thalamic brain areas, and that changes within the connections between these regions may reflect improvements in overall cognition. The implications of these findings as well as how neuroplastic changes might influence cognition, psychosocial functioning, or symptom profile in schizophrenia will be discussed.