But still high infant mortality and spike in deaths of military aged people, as well as more primitive medical (lack of antibiotics etc.), There was not as many people that made it to the advanced ages where the results of dementia becomes particularly problematic for the people around them. Because of that smaller group, and a portion of that smaller group being affected, it might not be a widespread and noticeable societal issue. Couple that with a less complex lifestyle and you may not notice the dramatic differences as we do today of the afflicted.
For instance…my father about 4 years ago lost all ability to successfully use a TV remote, telephones (To call), to drive, etc. He could read, was able to eat, handle self hygiene needs, etc. Our society notices the decline sooner because of the tech we use. However, 2000 years ago, the decline may not have been as noticeable until it hit the most advanced stages. At the advanced stages, hygiene, eating, etc… become difficult to impossible and these later stages back then would likely bring quicker physical declines and death than they do today.
For instance…my father about 4 years ago lost all ability to successfully use a TV remote, telephones (To call), to drive, etc. He could read, was able to eat, handle self hygiene needs, etc. Our society notices the decline sooner because of the tech we use. However, 2000 years ago, the decline may not have been as noticeable until it hit the most advanced stages. At the advanced stages, hygiene, eating, etc… become difficult to impossible and these later stages back then would likely bring quicker physical declines and death than they do today.