Astronauts who spent about 6 months on the ISS, noticed strange changes in consciousness

Scientists conducted a study analyzing the condition of astronauts who spent an average of six months on the International Space Station. It turned out that the astronauts experienced a temporary slowdown in cognitive abilities. Some of these changes did not recover until the astronauts returned to Earth.

Scientists have long been aware of the disruptions that occur in the human body, including radiation exposure, loss of bone density, and sleep problems. But now they have found that astronauts' cognitive performance can also deteriorate in space, The Sun reports.

During the study, the researchers analyzed 25 astronauts who underwent a series of tests that included measuring their speed and accuracy at different moments. In particular, before the flight, at the beginning and end of the flight, as well as 10 and 30 days after landing.

Scientists have found that astronauts in space reacted more slowly in terms of speed, working memory, and attention than they did while on Earth. But that didn't make the astronauts any less accurate.

"Cognitive performance was generally stable over time, with some differences observed at different stages of the mission for specific subtests," the study authors explain.

Scientists point out that a decrease in performance in terms of processing speed, visual working memory, and sustained attention was observed at the beginning of the flight. A decrease in risk-taking was observed during the late flight and during the post-flight mission phase.

"The exploratory analysis did not reveal a clear pattern of association between cognitive performance and sleep or vigilance ratings," the scientists add.

The scientists also noted that there was no evidence of brain damage or permanent cognitive problems.

"Living and working in space was not associated with widespread cognitive impairment that would indicate significant brain damage," said Dr. Sheena Dev, a researcher at NASA's Behavioral Health and Performance Laboratory.

Unfortunately, the study did not show why the changes occurred. According to scientists, it may be related to stress.

"Even on Earth, processing speed, working memory, and attention are cognitive areas that can show temporary changes when a person is under stress. Other areas, such as memory, are less vulnerable to stressors," Dev explained.

The scientists clarified that in their opinion, the most vulnerable areas during the astronauts' stay on board the ISS are the same as those that are more susceptible to stress factors on Earth.

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