Effects of Dexamethasone and High Terrestrial Altitude on Cognitive Performance and Affect
Abstract
This study examined the effects of dexamethasone (a potent corticosteroid) to high terrestrial altitude on cognitive performance, affect, and personality traits. Cognitive performance was evaluated by 5 cognitive tasks, affect was evaluated by the Clyde Mood Scale and the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List, and personality traits were examined using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Sixteen healthy young men received either dexamethasone (4 mg every 6 h) or placebo for 48 h prior to and after ascent to 4300 m. Subjects treated with dexamethasone correctly performed more computer interaction and addition problems than did placebo-treated subjects. They also were less sleepy, dizzy, depressed, and anxious than placebo-treated subjects on the first day at altitude. No adverse effects on cognitive performance, affect, or personality traits were noted after dexamethasone was discontinued on the third day at altitude. Results indicated that dexamethasone at the present dose positively influences cognitive performance and mood states at altitude, but it does not affect personality traits. Keywords: Cognition/Human performance; Acute mountain sickness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA217897
Entities
People
- Barbara . Shukitt-hale
- Jared B. Jobe
- Louis E. Banderet
- Paul B. Rock
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine