The Effect of Aging at Moderate Altitude on Cognition and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety.
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| Názov: | The Effect of Aging at Moderate Altitude on Cognition and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety. |
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| Autori: | Hüfner, Katharina, Rausch, Linda K., Bichler, Carina S., Burtscher, Johannes, Falla, Marika, Weiss, Elisabeth M. |
| Zdroj: | Gerontology; 2025, Vol. 71 Issue 10, p852-860, 9p |
| Predmety: | AGING, COGNITION, ALTITUDES, MENTAL depression, STRESS tolerance (Psychology), HYPOXEMIA, ANXIETY, PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience |
| Abstrakt: | Background: Minor and major neurocognitive disorders, depression, and anxiety are common in older adults. The brain, and specifically the aging brain, relies heavily on oxygen and is highly sensitive to reductions in oxygen availability. Hypoxia occurs during both acute and prolonged exposure to altitude. While the negative effects of very low oxygen levels at high altitudes (above 3,500 m) on cognition and symptoms of depression as well as anxiety are well documented, we propose that moderate altitudes (1,000–2,500 m) may have potential benefits for brain health by promoting stress tolerance and adaptability. Summary: This narrative review summarizes the impact of environmental oxygen availability on cognitive function and symptoms of depression and anxiety, considering the hypoxic dose (severity and duration of hypoxia). Given the limited data on moderate altitude and older adults, we also included results from studies involving younger populations and higher altitudes for comparison, alongside theoretical perspectives that still require experimental validation. We propose that mild hypoxia at moderate altitudes may enhance the brain's stress tolerance and adaptability, potentially through mechanisms involving metabolic and redox homeostasis as well as neurotransmitter regulation. However, the evidence remains inconclusive due to the influence of multiple confounding factors in most studies, complicating the ability to reach firm conclusions. Key Messages: Severe hypoxia at very high or extreme altitudes has detrimental effects on brain health, particularly in the aging brain, resulting in cognitive impairment and triggering or aggravating symptoms of depression and anxiety. In contrast, the potential benefits of prolonged exposure to moderate altitudes on brain and mental health, especially in aging populations, remain a topic of debate. The limited number of studies, coupled with the presence of multiple confounding factors, makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Plain Language Summary: As we age, the brain becomes more vulnerable to cognitive decline and dementia. Depression and anxiety also occur commonly in older adults. Oxygen is essential for brain health, and reduced oxygen levels (hypoxia), such as those at high altitudes (HAs), can have harmful effects. Severe hypoxia at very HAs (above 3,500 meters) is known to impair cognition and induce or aggravate symptoms of depression and anxiety, but moderate altitudes (1,000–2,500 meters) may offer potential benefits. This narrative review explores how oxygen availability affects the brain and mental health, focusing on the severity and duration of hypoxia. Research suggests that mild hypoxia at moderate altitudes may help the brain handle stress and adapt better by improving energy use, protecting cells from damage, and balancing brain chemicals. However, limited research and confounding factors make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. While severe hypoxia at HAs is clearly harmful, the potential brain health benefits of moderate altitudes remain uncertain and require further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Databáza: | Complementary Index |
Nájsť tento článok vo Web of Science | Abstrakt: | Background: Minor and major neurocognitive disorders, depression, and anxiety are common in older adults. The brain, and specifically the aging brain, relies heavily on oxygen and is highly sensitive to reductions in oxygen availability. Hypoxia occurs during both acute and prolonged exposure to altitude. While the negative effects of very low oxygen levels at high altitudes (above 3,500 m) on cognition and symptoms of depression as well as anxiety are well documented, we propose that moderate altitudes (1,000–2,500 m) may have potential benefits for brain health by promoting stress tolerance and adaptability. Summary: This narrative review summarizes the impact of environmental oxygen availability on cognitive function and symptoms of depression and anxiety, considering the hypoxic dose (severity and duration of hypoxia). Given the limited data on moderate altitude and older adults, we also included results from studies involving younger populations and higher altitudes for comparison, alongside theoretical perspectives that still require experimental validation. We propose that mild hypoxia at moderate altitudes may enhance the brain's stress tolerance and adaptability, potentially through mechanisms involving metabolic and redox homeostasis as well as neurotransmitter regulation. However, the evidence remains inconclusive due to the influence of multiple confounding factors in most studies, complicating the ability to reach firm conclusions. Key Messages: Severe hypoxia at very high or extreme altitudes has detrimental effects on brain health, particularly in the aging brain, resulting in cognitive impairment and triggering or aggravating symptoms of depression and anxiety. In contrast, the potential benefits of prolonged exposure to moderate altitudes on brain and mental health, especially in aging populations, remain a topic of debate. The limited number of studies, coupled with the presence of multiple confounding factors, makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Plain Language Summary: As we age, the brain becomes more vulnerable to cognitive decline and dementia. Depression and anxiety also occur commonly in older adults. Oxygen is essential for brain health, and reduced oxygen levels (hypoxia), such as those at high altitudes (HAs), can have harmful effects. Severe hypoxia at very HAs (above 3,500 meters) is known to impair cognition and induce or aggravate symptoms of depression and anxiety, but moderate altitudes (1,000–2,500 meters) may offer potential benefits. This narrative review explores how oxygen availability affects the brain and mental health, focusing on the severity and duration of hypoxia. Research suggests that mild hypoxia at moderate altitudes may help the brain handle stress and adapt better by improving energy use, protecting cells from damage, and balancing brain chemicals. However, limited research and confounding factors make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. While severe hypoxia at HAs is clearly harmful, the potential brain health benefits of moderate altitudes remain uncertain and require further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 0304324X |
| DOI: | 10.1159/000547599 |