brain cells into thin air

Interesting article in Sci. American on brain damage resulting from high altitude climbing (not just Himalyan heights!). Not going to keep me from climbing Rainier, but makes me rethink my youthful Himalayan ambitions.

It is all a myth from the same people that want to keep you away from High fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated peanut butter. I spent many days guiding and climbing above 20,000 ft. and survived a nasty bout of Cerebral Edema at 25,000 ft. My friends will be the first to tell you that I came out completely unaffected. I would give you their names but I can't.... quite.... seem.... ......to....remember....who .....they...are..........

Gregg
Telemark Free since 1989.

Sweet!! Now I have an excuse for being dumb.

Additional benefit: The fact that sometimes I don't recognize my wife keeps our relationship fresh.

Never having been above 16k', I have no such excuse.  My brain cell death is mostly, I think, due to frequent exposure to the fumes of burning rope.  That and a life lived avoiding any type of responsibility that didn't involve sliding on two planks