Interesting scientific study here finding that humans have an unusual number of recent gene adaptations to protect against development of dementia. That wouldn't be necessary in a "state of nature," but with humans living progressively longer, families where the old maintain their cognitive functions are at a distinct advantage for both advice given and for child care, reinforcing those genes.
Neat evolutionary trick. Well done, humans.
Newly evolved, uniquely human gene variants protect older adults from cognitive decline
Many human gene variants have evolved specifically to protect older adults against neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, thus preserving their contributions to society, report researchers.
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We're also somewhat unusual in having menopause: many other mammals don't. It may be because having grandmothers around helps grandkids survive, better than women dying in childbirth in old age.