The findings on brain ageing may contribute to understanding the causes of this incurable disease. According to statistics, almost 50 million people worldwide currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

On the basis of their research, scientists at the Brno Centre found that a person's well-being, i.e. their relationship with themselves, other people and nature, influences the protection of certain areas of the brain.

Well-being as a weapon against disease

- Scientists have long monitored the brain using magnetic resonance imaging. It has been shown that people with high levels of mental wellbeing are better protected against atrophy in the frontal areas of the brain, especially in areas related to emotional and social behaviour, decision-making and social interaction, and empathy, says doctor and team member Kateřina Sheardová. - Atrophy is a gradual decrease in the volume of a cell, tissue, organ or body part.

What symptoms should draw special attention to the patient and family?

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's disease that should draw particular attention is the difficulty in remembering newly acquired information, as the changes caused by the disease usually begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms appear, including:

• disorientation,
• changes in mood and behaviour,
• deepening confusion about events, time and place,
• unfounded suspicions about family, friends and carers,
• more severe memory loss and behavioural changes,
• difficulties with speaking, swallowing and walking.

Alzheimer's disease an increasingly common problem

There are currently around 50 million people worldwide with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. A worrying fact may be that the number of sick patients could triple by 2050.

During Alzheimer's disease, brain cells shrink and their functions die out. The person loses his or her memory, his or her mood and consciousness decline, thus requiring constant care from family and doctors. The causes of this disease are not fully understood, making treatment difficult. Prevention therefore plays a key role.