In a study, people who exhibited this sign were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline.
An early sign of dementia could appear in the middle of the night. According to a study, this “distressing” symptom could mean you are up to four times more likely to experience cognitive decline.
Having difficulty sleeping from time to time is not uncommon. The NHS warns that one in three of us will experience bouts of insomnia at least once in our lives.
Yet, frequent nightmares might signal something more troubling. A 2022 study featured in The Lancet highlighted “distressing dreams” as a potential early indicator of dementia among people who haven’t exhibited any prior cognitive decline.
The research monitored 605 individuals in middle age over a span of 13 years and determined how likely it was for 2,600 older adults initially with no cognitive issues to develop all-cause dementia over up to seven years. Participants’ sleeping habits were matched with later dementia diagnoses.
After making allowances for confounding factors, the researchers established a pronounced linear correlation between the regularity of distressing dreams and a heightened risk of cognitive decline in those of middle age, alongside an increased threat of all-cause dementia in the elderly. Notably, the study found that middle-aged adults who reported distressing dreams on a weekly basis at the start of the investigation were four times more likely to experience cognitive deterioration.
For older adults, those plagued with disturbing dreams faced a doubled risk of dementia. The investigators acknowledged that “the associations between distressing dreams and both cognitive outcomes were ‘only statistically significant amongst men’.”
They concluded: “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 help to identify individuals at risk of dementia and could facilitate early prevention strategies.”
Dementia symptoms
Separate to this research, certain sleeping habits have also been identified as a potential symptom of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society has warned that people with dementia might suffer from REM behavioural sleep disorder (RBD), which leads to them acting out their dreams during REM sleep phases.
“They may physically act out their dreams, which can be violent in nature and their arms and legs may flail around,” the charity says. It further clarifies that such actions may result in waking up suddenly and, potentially, falling out of bed.
Moreover, if the person shares a bed with a partner, there is a risk of causing injury due to these involuntary movements. This condition doesn’t only lead to daytime tiredness; it also carries the risk of falls from the bed.
The NHS provides additional context, stating that “sleep disturbances” can indicate Lewy body dementia, a particular type of the condition. Other warning signs of dementia to watch for include:
- Memory loss
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulties with routine activities
- Issues following conversations or identifying the right words
- Disorientation regarding time and location
- Shifts in mood.
If you or someone you know experiences any symptoms of dementia you should speak to a doctor.