In a study by the University of Edinburgh, an evidence is found to associate the genetic risk for schizophrenia with lower IQ among people who do not develop this disorder. Schizophrenia is commonly associated with cognitive impairments that may cause functional disability. Reduced cognitive ability may precede the onset of schizophrenia symptoms. Also, these deficits may be present in healthy kin of people diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The scientists examined data from 937 individuals in Scotland who first completed IQ testing in 1947, at age 11. When they reached the age of 70, they were retested and their DNA was analysed to estimate their genetic risk for schizophrenia. The researchers found that individuals with a higher genetic risk for schizophrenia had a lower IQ at age 70 but not at age 11.
The relationship between the heritable risk for schizophrenia and low intelligence quotient (IQ) has not been clear. Further research is needed to reach at conclusion.
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