Long-term outcome of late-onset schizophrenia: a five year follow-up study

Brodaty, H., Sachdev, P., Koschera, A., Monk, D. and Cullen, B. (2003) Long-term outcome of late-onset schizophrenia: a five year follow-up study. British Journal of Psychiatry, 183, pp. 213-219. (doi: 10.1192/bjp.183.3.213)

Abstract

Background: There is controversy about whether late-onset schizophrenia is a precursor of cognitive decline. Aims: To examine the long-term outcome of a group of patients with late-onset schizophrenia. Method: Patients with onset of DSM–III–R schizophrenia at age 50 years or over, but without dementia, and a healthy control group were assessed at baseline (n=27 andn=34, respectively), after 1 year and after 5 years (n=19 and n=24, respectively) on measures of psychopathology, cognition and general functioning, and compared on rates of decline and incidence of dementia. Results: Nine patients with late-onset schizophrenia and none of the control group were found to have dementia (5 Alzheimer type, 1 vascular, 3 dementia of unknown type) at 5-year follow-up. There appeared to be a subgroup of late-onset schizophrenia patients without signs of dementia at baseline or at 1 year follow-up who subsequently declined. Conclusions: Late-onset schizophrenia may be a prodrome of Alzheimer-type dementia. More longitudinal studies are required to determine its nosological status.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cullen, Dr Breda
• Authors: Brodaty, H., Sachdev, P., Koschera, A., Monk, D., and Cullen, B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: British Journal of Psychiatry
• Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists
• ISSN: 0007-1250