Cognitive, Psychological and Psychiatric Effects of Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Title:Cognitive, Psychological and Psychiatric Effects of Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Volume: 19 Issue: 12

Author(s): D. Marazziti, S. Baroni, M. Catena-Dell'Osso, E. Schiavi, D. Ceresoli, C. Conversano, L. Dell'Osso and E. Picano

Affiliation:

Keywords: Ionizing radiation, cognitive processes, memory, neurogenesisi, hippocampus, psychiatric disorders

Abstract: Radiation exposure leads to an increased risk for cancer and, possibly, additional ill-defined non-cancer risk, including atherosclerotic, cardiovascular, cerebro-vascular and neurodegenerative effects. Studies of brain irradiation in animals and humans provide evidence of apoptosis, neuro-inflammation, loss of oligo-dendrocytes precursors and myelin sheaths, and irreversible damage to the neural stem compartment with long-term impairment of adult neurogenesis.

With the present paper we aim to present a comprehensive review on brain effects of radiation exposure, with a special focus on its impact on cognitive processes and psychological functions, as well as on their possible role in the pathophysiology of different psychiatric disorders.

Cite this article as:

Marazziti D., Baroni S., Catena-Dell'Osso M., Schiavi E., Ceresoli D., Conversano C., Dell'Osso L. and Picano E., Cognitive, Psychological and Psychiatric Effects of Ionizing Radiation Exposure, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2012; 19 (12) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986712800099776