Cortical reorganization in an astronaut’s brain after long-duration spaceflight

• DOI: 10.1007/s00429-015-1054-3
• Publication Date: 2015-05-27T18:08:28Z
• Authors: Athena Demertzi; Angelique Van Omb...; Elena Tomilovskaya; Ben Jeurissen; Ekaterina Pechenkova; Carol Di Perri; Liudmila Litvinova; Enrico Amico; Alena Rumshiskaya; Ilya Rukavishnikov; Jan Sijbers; Valentin Sinitsyn; Inessa B. Kozlovs...; Stefan Sunaert; Paul M. Parizel; Paul H. Van de He...; Steven Laureys; Floris L. Wuyts
• Keywords: Spaceflight; Weightlessness

To date, hampered physiological function after exposure to microgravity has been primarily attributed deprived peripheral neuro-sensory systems. For the first time, this study elucidates alterations in human brain long-duration spaceflight. More specifically, we found significant differences resting-state functional connectivity between motor cortex and cerebellum, as well changes within default mode network. In addition, cosmonaut showed supplementary areas during a imagery task. These results highlight underlying neural basis for observed deconditioning due spaceflight are relevant future interplanetary missions vestibular patients.