Sensory-targeted cognitive training for schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION: Auditory and visual sensory dysfunctions are key pathophysiological features of schizophrenia (Sz). Therefore, remedial interventions that directly target such impairments could potentially drive gains in higher-order cognition (e.g., memory, executive functions, emotion processing), symptoms and functional outcome, in addition to improving sensory abilities in this population. Here, the authors review available sensory-targeted cognitive training (S-TCT) programs that were investigated so far in patients with Sz. Area covered: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-five relevant records were included. The superiority of S-TCT over control conditions on higher-order cognition measures was repeatedly demonstrated pre-to-post training, but mostly lost significance at later endpoints of evaluation. Clinical symptoms and functional outcome were improved in a minority of studies. In addition, S-TCT interventions were associated with the relative normalization of several neurobiological biomarkers of neuroplasticity and sensory mechanisms. Expert commentary: S-TCT, although time-intensive, is a cost-efficient, safe and promising technique for Sz treatment. Its efficacy on higher-order cognition opens a critical window for clinical and functional improvement. The biological impact of S-TCT may allow for the identification of therapeutic biomarkers to further precision-medicine in this field. Additional research is required to investigate the long-term effects of S-TCT, optimal training parameters and potential confounding factors associated with the illness.