Posted January 2, 2013 by Kate Taylor
Even with shielding, the amount of cosmic radiation involved in a trip to Mars could put astronauts on the path to Alzheimer's disease.
The three-year trip, say scientists, would mean that they built up enough exposure to experience cognitive problems and permanent changes in the brain.
"Galactic cosmic radiation poses a significant threat to future astronauts," says Professor M Kerry O'Banion of the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC).
"The possibility that radiation exposure in space may give rise to health problems such as cancer has long been recognized. However, this study shows for the first time that exposure to radiation levels
equivalent to a mission to Mars could produce cognitive problems and speed up changes in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer's disease."
http://www.tgdaily.com/space-brief/68443-cosmic-radiation-puts-astronauts-at-risk-of-alzheimers
