Long-term spaceflight composite stress induces depression and cognitive impairment in astronauts—insights from neuroplasticity

• Published in: Translational psychiatry Vol. 13; no. 1; p. 342
• Main Authors: Yin, Yishu, Liu, Junlian, Fan, Quanchun, Zhao, Shuang, Wu, Xiaorui, Wang, Jiaping, Liu, Yu, Li, Yongzhi, Lu, Weihong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 08.11.2023; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 59/36; 59/57; 631/378/340; 692/699/476/1414; Astronauts; Behavioral Sciences; Biological Psychology; Cognitive ability; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mental depression; Mental health; Neurosciences; Pharmacotherapy; Psychiatry; Review; Review Article
• ISSN: 2158-3188; 2158-3188
• DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02638-5

The environment on the space station is quite unique compared to Earth, which is a composite of multiple stressors, such as microgravity, isolation, confinement, noise, circadian rhythm disturbance, and so on. During prolonged space missions, astronauts have to stay in such extreme environments for long periods, which could induce adverse effects on both their physical and mental health. In some circumstances, this kind of long-term spaceflight composite stress (LSCS) could also induce depression and cognitive impairment in various ways, including dysregulating the neuroplasticity of the brains of astronauts, which should be attached to great importance. Here, we have comprehensively reviewed the impact of individual and combined stressors on depression and cognitive function during long-term spaceflight, explained the underlying mechanisms of those effects from the perspective of neuroplasticity, and current countermeasures for mitigating these challenges. This review provides insights into LSCS and potential neuroplasticity mechanisms, current with potentially great impact for understanding and mitigating the mental health risks and traumas of career astronauts and space tourists.