Cognitive decline preceding the onset of psychosis in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Importance: Patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) have an elevated (25%) risk of developing schizophrenia. Recent reports have suggested that a subgroup of children with 22q11DS display a substantial decline in cognitive abilities starting at a young age. Objective: To determine whether early cognitive decline is associated with risk of psychotic disorder in 22q11DS.