Analysis of Cognitive Functions and Neurophysiological Processes in Adaptation of Human to Conditions of the Arctic Region

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the work is analysis of one of the most important problems of the modern biomedical science problem of studying the processes of human adaptation to a complex of climatic and geographic factors and conditions of the Far North in the period of increased necessity in realization of the economic, industrial and defense activity of the government. The review presents the data of scientific study of cognitive functions and neurophysiological changes in people permanently living in or arriving to the Arctic zone. In the first part, the factors are considered that evidence different disorders in memory, concentration, efficiency of performing simple and complex cognitive tasks by test persons in conditions of low temperature, seasonal photoperiodicity, a particular working regime, such as rotational team method, etc. The age-related peculiarities of dynamics of the cognitive processes in children and adolescents living in the Arctic region are considered. The second part of the article presents analysis of scientific data on changes of electrophysiological parameters of the brain structure activity under the influence of individual or complex factors of Arctic conditions. In particular, changes of the encephalographic rhythms, evoked potentials, hemispheric asymmetry and parameters of autonomic regulation of the heart rate variability in the initial condition and on exposure to the factors of the Far North, are described. A necessity of individual typological analysis of the adaptation process characteristics depending on the initial regulatory peculiarities, neurophysiological characteristics of people, duration of their stay in the mentioned conditions, is emphasized. Inconsistency or ambiguity of the presented data indicate the importance of using a complex approach to scientific research which should include systemic analysis of the dynamics of neurophysiological characteristics and parameters of achieved effectiveness of modeled or professional activity in the Arctic conditions. CONCLUSION: The paper substantiates the necessity of elaboration of personalized methods of increasing the adaptive reserves of people working and living in the Arctic zones; one of these may be modern systems based on biocontrol with feedback from physiological systems of a human. Besides, it is noted that application of the principles of the theory of the functional systems formulated by academician P. K. Anokhin, can contribute to deeper understanding of adaptation processes, changes of cognitive and professional abilities, their neurophysiological support in the Arctic conditions.