Project Summary

Adrienne C. Lahti, M.D. (Independent Investigator 2000) of University of Maryland, will conduct imaging studies using a cognitive task in relatives of patients with schizophrenia who perform poorly on a smooth pursuit eye movement (SPEM) test. SPEM abnormalities occur much more frequently in patients with schizophrenia and their family members, suggesting that SPEM dysfunction represents a biological marker of the genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia. Identified first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients will be scanned and complete a battery of neuropsychological tests. Patterns of brain activation will be contrasted between relatives with and without SPEM abnormalities, normal volunteers, and schizophrenia patients. The relationship between learning and memory measures and patterns of brain activation will be examined in relatives. This work has the potential to identify the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction and SPEM abnormalities that are related to the genetic liability to schizophrenia.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

Search Again