Molecular Targets for Treating Cognitive Dysfunction in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia as deficits are present in the majority of patients, frequently precede the onset of other positive symptoms, persist even with successful treatment of positive symptoms, and account for a significant portion of functional impairment in schizophrenia. While the atypical antipsychotics have produced incremental improvements in the cognitive func- tion of patients with schizophrenia, overall treatment remains inadequate. In recent years, there has been an in- creased interest in developing novel strategies for treating the cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, focusing on amelio- rating impairments in working memory, attention, and so- cial cognition. Here we review various molecular targets that are actively being explored for potential drug discov- ery efforts in schizophrenia and cognition. These molecular targetsinclude dopamine receptors inthe prefrontal cortex, nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, the gluta- matergic excitatory synapse, various serotonin receptors, and the g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system.