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.