Re: brain shrinkage
John, Several things happen above 8000 feet. The body reproduces more red blood cells to compensate for lack of oxygen. The physics of the brain and respiration respond to lower temperatures, higher altitudes and changes in both oxygen levels and atmospheric pressures. The high altitude scientific studies of brain and behavior from the Fifties and early Sixties were published by The School of Aviation Medicine which preceded NASA. There are many studies in real and simulated experiences with test pilots. If I remember correctly, there is a summary of these studies in Guyton's Medical Physiology. The last studies I was a part of were conducted by Teller Vision, Inc. as part of an economic development project for The Gold Centennial in Colorado. There was intense interest at the time in the creation of a rehabilitation center specific to the diseases that respond to Rocky Mountain environments. (And the fact that you can hit a golf ball further at high altitudes.) I can confirm from personal experience many anecdotal reports from the mountain communities above 8,000 feet -- better recovery from head injury, better training for Olympic athletes, and, at one time, race horses were trained there. We found retired Vietnam veterans above 10,000 feet who complained of sudden irritability to the point of violence at just 6,000 feet. I know of a number of cases of writers and their experiences of productivity (and lack of it) at places like Cripple Creek, Divide and Woodland Park, Colorado -- people who believed there was more "room" for their brains and could clear their thoughts easily at low temperatures and high altitudes. There are reports of people who can feel the moon rise, even when they cannot see it. The scientists at the Olympic training center in Colorado Springs might be able to help you. Certainly the athletes who choose to train in the mountains would have strong feelings on both training, recuperation and rehabilitation. Hope this is of some help, Anne Anne Blocker, Director The National Learning Laboratory www.know.org