512. THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN COGNITIVE INFLEXIBILITY AND DECLINE DEVIATION FROM FNIRS-MEASURED BRAIN FUNCTION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract Background The prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in executive function, including perception, judgment, and cognitive integration. Previous studies have consistently shown reduced prefrontal oxygenation and slower time to peak oxygenation in individuals with schizophrenia during cognitive tasks, suggesting a blunted response to external stimuli and potential impairments in cognitive function. The current study aims to investigate the relationship between prefrontal oxygenation and a broader range of cognitive functions, including attention and strategic use of abilities, in individuals with schizophrenia. Aims & Objectives This research explored the prefrontal cortex oxygenation patterns in individuals with schizophrenia using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The study aimed to investigate the correlation between prefrontal oxygenation and cognitive functions such as attention and cognitive flexibility. Method This study recruited 13 individuals with schizophrenia (mean age = 45.77 years, SD = 8.936) and 11 healthy controls (mean age = 45.64 years, SD = 14.327). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measured prefrontal oxygenation during a 160-second verbal fluency task. Additionally, participants completed the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) to assess attention and executive function. Results The results of this study indicated that individuals with schizophrenia exhibited significant impairments in cognitive flexibility, impulse control, and verbal fluency. Prefrontal oxygenation during the task was negatively correlated with learning target categories (r = -.494, p = .014) but positively correlated with accuracy in the verbal fluency task (r = .411, p = .046). The time to peak prefrontal oxygenation was negatively correlated with the ability to discriminate target stimuli (r = -.465, p = .022) and impulsivity (r = -.523, p = .009). Moreover, the time to reach 50% of the peak prefrontal oxygenation was positively correlated with reaction time (r = .467, p = .021) but negatively correlated with the number of correct words produced (r = -.493, p = .014). Discussion & Conclusions This study revealed significant prefrontal cortical dysfunction in individuals with schizophrenia, which was associated with impairments in multiple cognitive domains. Notably, our findings highlighted a novel relationship between the timing of prefrontal oxygenation changes and cognitive performance. These results not only deepen our understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia but also offer potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the development of new diagnostic and treatment approaches. Future research should explore prefrontal function differences in various subtypes of schizophrenia and the impact of environmental factors on prefrontal function.