The Complex Link Between Schizophrenia and Dementia: Targeting Ca2+/cAMP Signalling.

BACKGROUND Considering a consistent body of evidence has been showing that schizophrenia patients have had an increased risk of developing dementia. The hypothesis that dementia and schizophrenia share a complex link, is emerging. It is highly discussed that dysregulations related to Ca2+ signalling, e.g., an increase of the intracellular concentration of Ca2+, could link both diseases, in addition to cAMP signalling pathways. OBJECTIVE Thus, revealing this interplay between schizophrenia and dementia may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of these diseases. METHODS Publications involving Ca2+ and cAMP signalling pathways, dementia and schizophrenia (alone or combined) were collected by searching PubMed and EMBASE. RESULTS Both Ca2+ and cAMP signalling pathways (Ca2+/cAMP signalling) control the release of neurotransmitters/ hormones and neuronal death, and dysregulations of these cellular processes may be involved in both diseases. CONCLUSION Bearing in mind the experience of our group in this field, this article debated the involvement of Ca2+/cAMP signalling in this link between schizophrenia and dementia, including its pharmacological implications.