Epigenetic memory and allostatic integrity: a theoretical integration of the hierarchical-circular model using a longitudinal methylation signature of dementia

Introduction

The Hierarchical-Circular Model of Biological Memory (HCM) proposes that dementia results from disrupted circular information flow across five levels: genetic, epigenetic, allostatic, PNEI network, and interoceptive. Allostatic integrity-the adaptive capacity for circular flow-determines whether pathology translates into dementia.