Prospective memory in schizophrenia: a review

The wide range of psychological and cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia can often affect the level of independence that individuals with schizophrenia can achieve in their lives. Prospective memory (PM), or memory associated with future intentions, has been proposed as a useful indicator of select independent living skills. Currently, there is limited research with regards to prospective memory in schizophrenia. The current review systematically summarizes the literature focusing on prospective memory in schizophrenia and concludes that individuals with schizophrenia exhibited both an impairment in PM when compared to healthy controls and a general lack of awareness regarding these deficits. The existing research also suggests that PM deficits are not related to chronicity of illness or medications associated with schizophrenia. Limited findings suggest that PM deficits in individuals with schizophrenia may be associated with the ability to live independently and instrumental activities of daily living.