Microgravity-induced Cognitive Decline
10.46246/KJAsEM.250030
- Author:
Gyutae KIM
;
Kyu-Sung KIM
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:Korean Journal of Aerospace and Environmental Medicine
2025;35(4):140-146
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Microgravity-induced cognitive decline is recognized as a critical challenge to reduce performance during space exploration by leading to impairments in problem-solving ability, memory, judgment, emotion regulation, and even personality. Previous studies have reported that microgravity induced a cephalad fluid shift toward the head and upper body, resulting in increased intracranial pressure. Consequently, alterations in the volumes of gray and white matter occurred, which were essential structures for neural information processing and transmission, respectively, and it again led to reduced functional connectivity. This series of biophysical changes ultimately contributed to various dysfunctional forms in the brain, including cognitive decline.Despite growing evidence, the mechanistic pathway linking microgravity to cognitive decline remains unclear, and many studies continue to investigate additional clues to characterize microgravity-induced effects and the recovery processes. In this review, we aim to clarify the relationship between microgravity and cognitive decline by summarizing changes associated with cephalad fluid shift, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, intracranial pressure, white and gray matter volumes, and functional connectivity. Additionally, we introduce potential countermeasures to mitigate microgravity-induced neural and cognitive impairment during long-duration space missions. This review is expected to provide clear biological insights into microgravityrelated effects and contribute to overcoming current limitations in understanding microgravity-initiated mechanisms.
