Cognitive, Psychological and Psychiatric Effects of Ionizing Radiation Exposure

D.      Marazziti; S.      Baroni; M.      Catena-Dell'Osso; E.      Schiavi; D.      Ceresoli; C.      Conversano; L.      Dell'Osso; E.      Picano

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.

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

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