Objective. The aim of this study is to assess the relationships of cardiovascular risk factors with verbal learning and memory in patients with schizophrenia. Methods and Design. cross-sectional study. Inclusion Criteria. Diagnosis of schizophrenia according to the DSM-IV-TR criteria. Data Collection. Sociodemographic information, clinical characteristics, anthropometric measurements, blood tests, and episodic memory using the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Analysis. A multivariate analysis using multiple linear regressions was performed to determine variables that are potentially associated with verbal learning and memory. Results. One hundred and sixty-eight outpatients participated in our study. An association was found between the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and memory impairment on measures of verbal learning, and short- and long-term memory. Among the different components of MeTS, hypertriglycerides, abdominal obesity, and low HDL cholesterol were the only factors associated with memory impairment. Alcohol dependence or abuse was associated with a higher rate of forgetting. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that MetS and alcohol use may be linked with memory impairment in schizophrenia. These findings provide important insights into the interdependencies of cardiovascular risk factors and cognitive disorders and support novel strategies for treating and preventing cognitive disorders in patients with schizophrenia. 1. Introduction Schizophrenia is characterized by significant abnormalities in multiple neurocognitive processes [1]. Cognitive impairment, especially in verbal learning and memory [2], is considered to be a primary reason for functional disability even after successful treatment and reduction of psychotic symptoms [3]. This area of investigation demands thus attention. Identification of potentially modifiable determinants of verbal learning and memory in schizophrenia is of importance for developing effective interventions that can improve the cognitive performance of patients. Interestingly, evidence suggests that cardiovascular risk factors affect cognitive functions in older patients [4–7]. Moreover, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is higher in individuals with schizophrenia than in the general population, with an overall rate ranging from 30 to 35% [8]. Atypical or second-generation antipsychotics are especially associated with obesity and other components of metabolic syndrome, particularly abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism [9]. Individuals with a psychiatric disorder consume approximately 46% of all
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