Research progress on the effects of simulated microgravity environment on cognitive function and emotion and its intervention / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

ABSTRACT

The damage caused by space microgravity environment to the body systems of astronauts directly affects their work efficiency.This paper reviewed previous studies on the effects of space microgravity environment and ground simulated microgravity environment on cognition and emotion, potential mechanisms and interventions. It was found that a microgravity environment led to dysfunction in learning, memory, spatial orientation and other aspects, and caused anxiety and depression. The mechanisms of cognitive and emotional impairment associated with microgravity environment are complex, including neuronal damage, brain structure changes, neurotransmitter disorders, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress injury, and energy metabolism disorders. Pharmacological approaches such as natural extracts, physical interventions such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and new therapies such as probiotics were expected to reduce cognitive impairment and mood disorders caused by microgravity exposure. With the development of aerospace medicine in China, the potential mechanism and interventions of microgravity environment on cognitive and emotional impairment remain to be further studied.