Effects of exposure to altitude on neuropsychology aspects: a literature review

Objective: Discuss the effects of altitude exposure on neuropsychological functions. Method. We have conducted a literature review using as source indexed articles at Pubmed in the period from 1921 to 2008, using the following key words: cognition and hypoxia, hypoxia and neuropsychology, acute hypoxia, chronic hypoxia, and acclimatization and hypoxia, as well as specific books on the subject, Discussion: Acute and chronic effects of Hypoxia can alter many of the neuropsychological functions in different altitudes due to physiological changes resulted by the oxygen (O-2) partial decrease that can lead to neuropsychological alterations in individuals exposed to high altitudes. Conclusion: Individuals exposed to high altitudes must use an O-2 supplementation and the practice of acclimatization, among other strategy ways that can be used in order to minimize the negative effects of hypoxia on neuropsychological aspects.