Study finds evidence astronauts sent to explore the Red Planet could develop dementia-like cognitive impairment

May 4, 2015 08:44 GMT  ·  By

The crews that space agencies will one day send to explore Mars run the risk of having cosmic radiation fry their brain just enough to cause dementia-like symptoms, UC Irvine researchers argue in a study in the journal Science Advances. 

The specialists say that, according to their investigations, astronauts who embark on a round trip to Mars lasting about 2 to 3 years are likely to experience cognitive impairment issues such as loss of awareness and focus, and memory deficits.

These symptoms, resulting from the astronauts' prolonged exposure to radiation produced by cosmic rays, will undoubtedly impact on the mission. Besides, the Mars explorers could struggle with memory trouble for years after their return on Earth.

“Exposure to these particles may have long-term adverse consequences to cognition throughout life,” said researcher Charles Limoli. “This is not positive news for astronauts deployed on a 2- to 3-year round trip to Mars,” the specialist went on to explain.

To keep astronauts safe, the UC Irvine team recommends that spacecraft be fitted with areas of increased shielding. Since highly energetic particles from cosmic rays will still reach crews, drugs designed to protect the brain could also come in handy.

How cosmic radiation can affect astronauts

In a series of experiments carried out in laboratory conditions, specialist Charles Limoli and fellow researchers exposed mice to highly energetic charged particles similar to the ones documented in cosmic rays, and monitored them for several weeks.

The investigation revealed that, as a result of their being bombarded with radiation, the rodents that the UC Irvine team experimented on developed brain inflammation. Consequently, their neurons stopped communicating properly with one another.

As detailed in the animated video below, the exposure to radiation ultimately caused the mice to suffer evident cognitive impairment. Specifically, the rodents started having serious trouble learning new things and remembering what they already knew.

The UC Irvine team argues that, although it would take months for astronauts to display the same symptoms, the fact remains that, just like the laboratory mice used in these experiments, they too risk being negatively affected by radiation.

“Performance decrements, memory deficits, and loss of awareness and focus during spaceflight may affect mission-critical activities,” warned researcher Charles Limoli.