School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights Campus, Earley Gate, Whiteknights Road, Reading RG6 6AL, UK.
Br J Nutr. 2014 May 28;111(10):1841-52. doi: 10.1017/S0007114513004455. Epub 2014 Jan 30.
Although it is well known that water is essential for human homeostasis and survival, only recently have we begun to understand its role in the maintenance of brain function. Herein, we integrate emerging evidence regarding the effects of both dehydration and additional acute water consumption on cognition and mood. Current findings in the field suggest that particular cognitive abilities and mood states are positively influenced by water consumption. The impact of dehydration on cognition and mood is particularly relevant for those with poor fluid regulation, such as the elderly and children. We critically review the most recent advances in both behavioural and neuroimaging studies of dehydration and link the findings to the known effects of water on hormonal, neurochemical and vascular functions in an attempt to suggest plausible mechanisms of action. We identify some methodological weaknesses, including inconsistent measurements in cognitive assessment and the lack of objective hydration state measurements as well as gaps in knowledge concerning mediating factors that may influence water intervention effects. Finally, we discuss how future research can best elucidate the role of water in the optimal maintenance of brain health and function.
虽然众所周知水对于人体的内环境稳定和生存至关重要，但直到最近我们才开始了解水在维持大脑功能方面的作用。在此，我们整合了关于脱水和额外急性水摄入对认知和情绪影响的新出现的证据。该领域的现有研究结果表明，水的摄入对某些认知能力和情绪状态有积极影响。脱水对认知和情绪的影响对于那些体液调节能力差的人（如老年人和儿童）尤为重要。我们批判性地回顾了脱水的行为和神经影像学研究的最新进展，并将这些发现与水对激素、神经化学和血管功能的已知影响联系起来，试图提出合理的作用机制。我们确定了一些方法学上的弱点，包括认知评估中测量的不一致以及缺乏客观的水化状态测量，以及可能影响水干预效果的中介因素的知识空白。最后，我们讨论了未来的研究如何最好地阐明水在最佳维持大脑健康和功能方面的作用。
