title: Persistent cognitive impairment in climbers after repeated exposure to extreme altitude.
abstract: We performed neuropsychological testing in eight world class climbers who had reached summits higher than 8,500 meters without supplementary oxygen. Five had mildly impaired concentration, short-term memory, and ability to shift concepts and control errors. There were no defects in perception or other cognitive activities. The pattern of impairment suggests malfunctioning of bifronto-temporo-limbic structures. Repeated extreme-altitude exposure can cause mild but persistent cognitive impairment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Regard
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Oelz
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brugger
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Landis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D009051:Mountaineering; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests