Lack of neural load modulation explains attention and working memory deficits in first-episode schizophrenia

•Schizophrenia patients show a lack of neural load effect on attention and working memory.•Pre-memory alpha power predicts symptom severity and attentional deficits for schizophrenia.•Selective attention indexed by N2pc serves as a mediator between pre-memory alpha and active memory maintaining for schizophrenia.