Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Schizophrenia: Prevalence and Clinical Correlates at the Maracaibo Psychiatric Hospital, Venezuela

Joven Y.P.M.; Prieto de Rincón D.; Marín-Hamburger Y.; Barceló Martinez E.; Visconti-Lopez F.J. · Gaceta Medica de Caracas (2026) · DOI: 10.47307/gmc.2026.134.s2.6

Resumen

Background: Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia and a key determinant of functional outcome, yet local evidence from Latin America remains limited. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of MoCA-defined cognitive impairment and describe clinical correlates in patients with schizophrenia treated at a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Material and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study of 100 consecutive DSM-5-TR schizophrenia patients assessed between November 2023 and October 2024. Cognitive screening used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with the standard education adjustment. Results: The mean age was 37.9 ± 9.2 years, and 80 % were male. Cognitive impairment was present in 89 % of participants (89/100; 95 % CI, 81.4–93.7), predominantly mild. Mean total MoCA scores were 20.63 ± 4.10 (95 % CI, 19.10–22.16) in patients <35 years and 21.17 ± 5.80 (95 % CI, 19.79-22.55) in those ≥35 years. Visuospatial/executive scores were higher in patients aged <35 years (mean difference: 0.69 points; 95 % CI: 0.39-0.99). Across illness-duration categories, the lowest mean total MoCA score was observed in the 6–10 years group (17.6 ± 1.05; 95 % CI, 16.85-18.35), and all participants in this category met criteria for impairment (10/10; 95 %CI, 72.2-100). Conclusions: In this clinical sample, cognitive impairment was common, and MoCA profiles varied across age and illness-duration strata. Routine cognitive screening may help identify patients who could benefit from targeted cognitive interventions.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur