Health experts are expressing concerns about a troubling indication during sleep that may point to a severe neurological condition. Many individuals struggle with sleep disturbances at some point in their lives. According to the NHS, one out of every three people will grapple with sleep issues at least once.
Regular nightmares could potentially serve as an early alert for dementia. A study published by The Lancet in 2022 suggested that “distressing dreams” could be an initial sign of the condition in individuals with no prior cognitive decline.
The study, which monitored 605 middle-aged volunteers for 13 years, assessed the likelihood of all-cause dementia in 2,600 older participants who initially showed no signs of the condition for up to seven years.
Researchers correlated sleep patterns with later dementia diagnoses, as reported by Gloucestershire Live. They found a significant link between the frequency of distressing dreams and an increased risk of cognitive decline in middle-aged participants and a higher risk of all-cause dementia in older participants.
Specifically, middle-aged individuals experiencing distressing dreams weekly at the study’s onset were four times more likely to experience cognitive deterioration. In older adults, the risk of dementia was twice as high for those having distressing dreams.
The study team observed that “the associations between distressing dreams and both cognitive outcomes were ‘only statistically significant amongst men’.”
Conclusively, they stated, “Distressing dreams predict cognitive decline and all-cause dementia in middle-aged and older adults without cognitive impairment or Parkinson’s disease – especially amongst men. These findings may assist in identifying individuals at risk of dementia and could aid in early prevention strategies.”
The Alzheimer’s Society has also pointed out that individuals with dementia may suffer from REM behavioral sleep disorder (RBD), causing them to act out their dreams during REM sleep phases.
“This disorder can lead to physical actions during sleep, which can be violent, resulting in involuntary movements that may cause injury if the person falls out of bed,” the charity clarified.
RBD not only leads to daytime exhaustion but also poses risks if someone falls from bed. The NHS highlights early signs of dementia, including forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, challenges with daily tasks, trouble with conversations or finding words, confusion about dates and places, and changes in behavior.
If you or someone you know displays symptoms of dementia, seeking prompt medical advice is crucial.