Scientists from the University of California claimed that about 2000-2500 years ago, ancient Greeks and Romans were much less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease than people of the 21st century. results published In the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (JAD).
In their studies, scholars focused on analyzing classical ancient Greek and Roman medical texts. They looked for references to symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as decreased cognitive abilities (memory impairment, decreased spatial orientation skills, and the development of speech disorders).
The researchers found only a few references to mild cognitive impairment in the ancient Greek texts they examined. They also identified at least four expressions among the ancient Romans that suggested a description of progressive dementia. However, according to scientists, it cannot be said with certainty that these are related to Alzheimer’s disease.
The scientific team also examined many ancient medical works by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates and his followers. The text lists diseases that often occur in old age, such as deafness and digestive disorders. However, memory loss was not mentioned in the texts.
Later Roman texts suggest that some older people began to have difficulty learning new things when they reached the age of 80. Scientists have suggested that as population density increased in Roman cities, environmental pollution led to a decline in the cognitive abilities of city residents. Additionally, Roman aristocrats used lead household utensils for cooking and added lead acetate to wine (to sweeten), unknowingly exposing themselves to a powerful neurotoxin. It also had a negative impact on brain health.
Most likely, the active lifestyle of most ancient Greeks and Romans is the reason for the preservation of their cognitive abilities.
Previously was created A new tool to help predict the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.