Schizophrenia linked to cognitive decline from Toxoplasma gondii infection.
A study published in Schizophrenia found that individuals infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite, showed worse verbal memory, learning, and social cognition compared to those not infected. However, cognitive training exercises had similar effects on both groups, and there were no differences in the severity of schizophrenia symptoms. The study sheds light on the consequences of infection with Toxoplasma gondii, which is listed as one of the factors increasing the risk of schizophrenia.