Cognitive impairment and associated factors in elderly patients with schizophrenia: a retrospective observational study with phenotype analysis - Report - MDSpire

Cognitive impairment and associated factors in elderly patients with schizophrenia: a retrospective observational study with phenotype analysis

  • By

  • Yanping Cai

  • Yinxia Wu

  • Danjing Yao

  • Ying Xu

  • April 30, 2026

  • 0 min

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Cognitive Dysfunction and Contributing Factors in Older Adults with Schizophrenia

Overview

Expand on the implications of cognitive impairment for treatment adherence and quality of life.

Background

Cognitive impairment is a critical issue in schizophrenia, particularly among the elderly, who face additional challenges from chronic comorbidities and functional decline. Understanding the prevalence and determinants of cognitive impairment in this demographic is essential for developing effective nursing interventions and improving patient outcomes. As the population ages, addressing cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with schizophrenia becomes increasingly important for healthcare systems.

Data Highlights

MeasureResult
Prevalence of cognitive impairment47.7%
Odds ratio for higher MSPSS score0.609 (95% CI: 0.469-0.791, p < 0.001)
Odds ratio for higher ADL score0.553 (95% CI: 0.379-0.806, p = 0.002)
Odds ratio for diabetes mellitus7.735 (95% CI: 1.129-52.979, p = 0.037)
Model accuracy96.6%

Key Findings

  • The prevalence of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with schizophrenia is 47.7%.
  • Higher perceived social support is associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment.
  • Higher activities of daily living (ADL) scores correlate with reduced cognitive impairment risk.
  • Diabetes mellitus significantly increases the odds of cognitive impairment.
  • K-means clustering identified three cognitive and psychosocial phenotypes among patients.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should prioritize assessing cognitive function in elderly patients with schizophrenia, considering factors like social support and functional independence. Tailored nursing interventions that address these determinants may improve cognitive outcomes and overall quality of life for this vulnerable population.

Conclusion

Cognitive impairment is a prevalent and multifactorial issue among elderly patients with schizophrenia. Addressing the identified factors can enhance care strategies and patient outcomes.

References

  1. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Identification of the Central Symptoms of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A network analysis
  2. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Understanding functioning in schizophrenia through the lens of social cognition: a phenomenological study
  3. BMC Psychiatry, 2026 -- Experiencing Psychosis and Cognitive Dysfunction: Insights from a Qualitative Analysis
  4. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- Cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia: association with peripheral blood inflammatory signatures
  5. Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia (SCZ) (2023) - VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines
  6. Boehringer provides update on iclepertin Phase III program in schizophrenia - BioSpace
  7. Dementia in older adults with schizophrenia: a 12-year analysis of prevalence, incidence, and treatment patterns in South Korea | Schizophrenia
  8. Management of First-Episode Psychosis and Schizophrenia (SCZ) (2023) - VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guidelines
  9. Boehringer provides update on iclepertin Phase III program in schizophrenia - BioSpace
  10. Dementia in older adults with schizophrenia: a 12-year analysis of prevalence, incidence, and treatment patterns in South Korea | Schizophrenia

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