Relationship of whole brain volume MRI measures to neuropsychological performance in schizophrenic and healthy subjects

Abstract

Objective: To explore the relationship between whole brain volume MRI measures and performance on neuropsychological tests of intelligence, memory and shifting mental sets. Methods: Sixteen schizophrenic patients and 16 unrelated healthy controls matched for age, sex, handedness and social class underwent a series of neuropsychological assessments and a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Neuropsychological function was assessed by administering a battery of tests including tests of: (1) Intelligence, assessed by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R); (2) Memory, measured by Russell's (1975) version of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS); and (3) Shifting Mental Sets, tested using the Trails B. MRI data were acquired using a single 1.5 Tesla General Electric Signa System. Whole brain volumetric measurements were made on spoiled-gradient images employing MEASURE, a software package that uses stereological principles. Results: In the patient sample, no significant associations were found between performance on any neuropsychological measure and whole brain volume. In the control sample, a positive correlation emerged between full-scale IQ and whole brain volume (r=0.48, P=0.02). Conclusion: Normal structure/function relationships change in pathological states.