Bridging Global Evidence and Local Realities: A Review of Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe psychiatric disorder that significantly affects cognitive functioning and daily life activities. Cognitive impairment is considered a core feature of schizophrenia and is observed across multiple domains including processing speed, attention, memory, and executive functioning. These deficits are persistent, often present before the onset of psychotic symptoms, and remain relatively stable throughout the course of illness. Cognitive dysfunction plays a crucial role in determining functional outcomes such as social adjustment, occupational performance, and quality of life. Despite advances in pharmacological treatment, cognitive impairments remain inadequately addressed in routine clinical practice. The present paper reviews existing global and regional literature on cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, highlighting affected cognitive domains, underlying neurobiological mechanisms, and clinical implications. The review emphasizes the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that integrate cognitive assessment and rehabilitation to improve functional recovery in individuals with schizophrenia.