I think my husband was more than 4% Neanderthal. He was a light blue eyed redhead and body, very strong, long torso, short legs, very hard head (in more ways than one ;-) ), faint brow ridges, receding chin, crystaline hard teeth, very hairy including one shoulder, quick temper, warrior temperament, superb hunter. He was 1/16th Cree (Canadian) Indian, and most of the rest was Scottish. I don’t know if much population DNA study has been done on outlying groups like Canadian natives or Scots, but it makes sense that Neanderthals might have survived longer in such places. In fact many Scots and neighbors have what is known as the “ginger gene” which would improve utilization of the sun for Vitamin D formation and better female pelvic structure for childbearing.
He died at age 75 from Alzheimer’s. After caring for him throughout his decline and death, I have a hypothesis for one aspect of Alzheimer’s. Some information: There appear to be several genes associated with Alzheimer’s. One aspect of the condition is the tendency to wander. This was a real problem for 1 or 2 year, but in the last year when he was more helpless it stopped. There is some evidence that it is more likely to be transmitted in the mother’s line. His mother had dementia. She was 1/8 Cree Indian. In the last 3 years if he wandered off he could not find his way home. However, until the last 2 months, he could do repetitive jobs like sweeping the sidewalk, raking the moss, and sawing a piece of wood if I started the cut (we built a small cabin together). He was most likely to wander if he was hungry. I really had to watch him while fixing meals, and give him a little plate of snacks and keep him in the kitchen.
I have heard stories saying that elderly Indians were very altruistic because in the winter/starving times, they would go off and die, thus leaving more food for their families and the tribe. My hypothesis is this: The wandering behavior resulted in elderly tribal people wandering off to find food or pee, and then they could not find their way home and died, especially in cold winters. Although this result would not be motivated by self-sacrifice, it would still result in more food for children and grandchildren, and thus if it was genetic be passed on.
I would be very interested in any thoughts or experiences related to this idea, as I think about ways to research this.
Almost a description of me! I even have extra teeth. 4 extra ones, like a shark, sitting behind my other teeth like a layer (if they find my body a thousand years from now, I will be classified as definitely some kind of a cave-man). Though I've never hunted. I have Irish on my father's side of the family. Also Alzheimer's in the family as well. Hopefully I don't wander off anywhere.
That's a good. Thanks.