The metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive impairments, both related with poor outcomes in schizophrenia, are common in patients with this disorder. MetS has been associated with cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, but there is no general consensus regarding the description of various domains of neurocognition in patients with schizophrenia related to MetS.

The goal of this study was to assess cognitive functions in female patients with schizophrenia complicated by metabolic syndrome compared to those with schizophrenia without metabolic syndrome.

Fifty-four female patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were divided into two groups: MetS group (MetS+) and non-MetS group (MetS−). Cognitive functioning were investigated using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).

Twenty-seven (52%) patients with schizophrenia met criteria for the MetS diagnosis. Mean age of patients was 40.80. Patients from MetS+ group performed significantly worse on verbal memory (P=0.005), executive functions (P=0.028) and motor speed (P=0.035) as compared to MetS− group. Patients with schizophrenia who were hypertensive showed cognitive impairments in 2 domains of cognition: attention and speed of information processing (P=0.004) and verbal fluency (P=0.001). Patients with hypertriglyceridemia performed significantly worse on verbal memory (P=0.005). Motor speed was associated with waist circumference (P=0.02).

At a mean age of 40 years old, female patients with schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome show difficulties in more domains of cognitive function compared to female patients with schizophrenia without metabolic syndrome. Our findings suggest a link between cognition and metabolic syndrome in female patients with schizophrenia.