Title:History of Senile Dementia from the Antiquity to the Beginning of the Modern Age
Volume: 22
Issue: 7
Author(s): Francesco Raudino*
Affiliation:
- Department of Neurology Valduce Hospital. Como, Italy
Keywords:
Dementia, history of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, senile dementia, legislative aspects, consequence of aging.
Abstract:
Aims: This study aims, to trace the history of age-associated dementia from the earliest
historical periods to the beginning of the modern age.
Background: Since the medical literature prior to the early 19th century is relatively scarce, the
near absence of senile dementia has been hypothesized.
Objective: Verify the prevalence of senile dementia across different historical periods.
Methods: Beyond the medical literature, reviewed papers addressing legal and social aspects were
examined to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Results: While the medical literature on the subject is limited, there are a greater abundance of
sources discussing social and legislative aspects. The scientific study of dementia had began only
in the early 1800s.
Conclusion: In ancient times, dementia was not particularly rare, but it was often overlooked, as it
was considered an inevitable consequence of aging.
