Could the Historical Transition from Segmented to Monophasic Sleep Explain the Modern Insurgence of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias?

Article type: Article Commentary

Authors: Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi^{a; b; c; d; *} | Boulares, Ayoub^e | Garbarino, Sergio^{f; g}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), York University, Toronto, ON, Canada | [b] Department of Food and Drugs, Human Nutrition Unit (HNU), University of Parma, Parma, Italy | [c] Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Postgraduate School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy | [d] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair, Health Anthropology Biosphere and Healing Systems, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy | [e] Faculty of Sport Sciences-STAPS, Laboratory Mobility, Aging and Exercise-ER20296, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France | [f] Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal/Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy | [g] Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, Department of Food and Drugs, Human Nutrition Unit (HNU), Medical School, Building C, Via Volturno, 39, 43125 Parma, Italy. E-mail: nicolaluigi.bragazzi@unipr.it.

Abstract:  In their article, Finch and Burstein explore the hypothesis that Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) may predominantly be phenomena of the modern era. Through a review of classical Greek and Latin literature, they found minimal reference to conditions akin to ADRD, suggesting a historical rarity of severe cognitive decline. Instead, ancient texts focused on physical aspects of aging, with cognitive changes, when noted, not resembling modern-day dementia. Finch and Burstein further extend their analysis by drawing parallels with the Tsimane people of Bolivia, known for their low prevalence of dementia and cardiovascular diseases, attributed to lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. By comparing historical sleep patterns transitioning from segmented to monophasic sleep with those of the Tsimane community, we enriched Finch and Burstein’s research, highlighting the need to take into account a range of diverse factors, including sleep, in understanding the etiopathogenesis of ADRD in today’s society.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, ancient Greeks and Romans, paleopathology, segmented and monophasic sleep

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-240154

Journal: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 98, no. 4, pp. 1283-1286, 2024