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Neuropsychological functioning associated with high-altitude exposure.

Javier Virués-Ortega1, Gualberto Buela-Casal, Eduardo Garrido

  • 1Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamiento Psicológicos, Universidad de Granada, Facultad de Psicología, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18071 Granada, Spain. virues@ugr.es

Neuropsychology Review
|March 31, 2005
PubMed
Summary

High altitude exposure impairs cognitive functions like memory and reaction time due to hypoxia. Research reviews brain changes and sensory alterations linked to altitude-induced neuropsychological deficits.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Altitude Medicine
  • Cognitive Psychology

Background:

  • Hypoxia at high altitudes affects respiratory, circulatory, and brain functions.
  • Neuropsychological impairment is hypothesized to stem from these physiological adaptations.
  • Sleep disturbances are also a noted effect of altitude exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on neuropsychological functioning at various altitudes.
  • To identify brain determinants and their link to cognitive impairment.
  • To discuss the impact on various cognitive domains and moderating factors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on moderate, high, and extreme altitude.
  • Analysis of respiratory, circulatory, and brain adaptations to hypoxia.

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  • Examination of effects on psychomotor performance, perception, memory, and language.

    • Main Results:

    • Observed central nervous system changes include leukoaraiosis and cortical atrophy.
    • Increased reaction time and P300 latency, reduced sensory thresholds, and altered motor speed were reported.
    • Deficits in memory, verbal fluency, and cognitive flexibility are evident, particularly above 6,000 m.

    Conclusions:

    • Altitude-induced hypoxia significantly impacts neuropsychological functioning across multiple cognitive domains.
    • Brain alterations and sensory disturbances are key consequences of high-altitude exposure.
    • Methodological limitations in current research necessitate further investigation and refined study designs.