Assessment of the Long-Term Impact of High-Altitude Work on the Cognitive Functions of Flight Personnel

By combining recent studies conducted between 2021 and 2025, this integrative literature review evaluates the long-term cognitive effects of high-altitude work on commercial aircraft personnel.The study looks at how neurocognitive function may be affected by recurrent exposure to moderate hypoxia, chronic tiredness, circadian disturbance, and operational stress, drawing on research in aviation medicine, cognitive neuroscience, and occupational health.The results indicate that although the majority of crew members maintain cognitive function within normal bounds, individuals with a lot of flight hours exhibit minor abnormalities, especially in memory and psychomotor speed.In the short term, fatigue and circadian misalignment seem to affect cognition more than hypoxia alone.The review identifies domain-specific vulnerabilities, emphasizes physiological adaptation mechanisms, and suggests mitigation techniques like cognitive monitoring, supplemental oxygen, and fatigue management systems.This study provides a multifaceted perspective on risk and resilience by situating cognitive health within the intricate reality of aviation work, laying the groundwork for further research and evidence-based occupational health interventions.