Premature aging of the brain as a consequence of chronic stress

Population ageing is an irreversible global trend with complex medical, socio­economic and political implications. Brain ageing often outpaces other somatic manifestations. Brain aging is characterized by reduced blood flow, a decrease in brain weight, and disruption of functional inter­neuronal connections due to changes in the content of neurotransmitters. There are several theories of aging: wear and tear of the body and waste, auto­intoxication, as a result of a weakening of a system or organ, cellular, molecular, genetic, due to excessive differentiation and specialisation, adaptation and regulatory. Cellular aging is based on telomere shortening, which leads to DNA activation and cell cycle arrest: cell division and cell renewal, i. e. cellular aging. The aging process is influenced by many factors: heredity, quality of life, chronic diseases, bad habits and chronic stress. There is a clear interaction between stress and early brain aging. Even in young healthy individuals, excessive stress leads to accelerated aging. In cases of chronic stress, just like during physiological aging, the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate decrease. Depletion of the acetylcholine system can lead to the early onset of motor disorders, cognitive impairments, and behavioral changes.The link between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala through neurotransmitters allows us to adapt to stress and control behaviour. In the case of chronic stress, as well as with physiological aging, the level of dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate decreases. And the depletion of the acetylcholinergic system can lead to the early development of movement disorders, cognitive and behavioural changes. An important factor here is the ability to properly adapt and respond to stress, to take care of physical and mental health.