POST-RADIATION NEUROCOGNITIVE DEFICIT IN PERSONS AFFECTED BY THE CHORNOBYL ACCIDENT

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of the study was to verify and objectify the impairment of cognitive functioning in chronic cerebrovascular pathology in the remote period after exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation as a result of the Chornobyl accident. Impairment of the cognitive sphere in chronic cerebrovascular pathology in the Chornobyl clean-up workers in the remote post-accident period is characterized by a combination of scattered microfocal neurological symptoms; emotional and behavioral disorders with purely cognitive disorders (decreased memory and concentration; elements of acoustic-mnestic aphasia; impaired thinking, understanding, planning, goal-setting and judgment) in the structure of chronic cerebral ischemia, cerebral atherosclerosis, hypertensive encephalopathy and organic mental and behavioral disorders.

Methods. The revealed neuropsychological pattern of cognitive impairment in cerebrovascular pathology after radiation corresponds to mild / moderate cognitive impairment.

Results. In those exposed to doses above 0.3 Sv, a characteristic dose-dependent psychometric pattern was detected in the Chornobyl clean-up workers, which consists in a significant decrease in the indicators of actual general, verbal and non-verbal IQ determined by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) with a simultaneous increase in the deficit of these indicators compared to premorbid (pre-accident) levels. Deficits in total IQ due to a decrease in verbal IQ can be considered as a neuropsychological marker of post-radiation cognitive impairment, reflecting lesions in the left (dominant) hemisphere of the brain.

Conclusions. Further psychiatric clinical and epidemiological studies with dosimetric support, assessment of somatoneurological health, possible cognitive and psychotic symptoms of contingents affected by the Chornobyl disaster are needed.

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