A “distressing” sleep issue could be an early sign of dementia, warn UK health experts – and it’s important to be aware of the symptoms
Health experts are raising concerns about a “distressing” sign during sleep which could be a signal of a serious neurological condition. Many of us wrestle with sleep disruptions at some stage. The NHS states that one in three people will battle with sleep problems at least once in their lifetime.
However, regular nightmares might indicate an early warning sign for dementia. In 2022, research published by The Lancet suggested “distressing dreams” may be an initial indicator of the condition in people without any prior cognitive decline.
The research followed 605 middle-aged volunteers over 13 years and evaluated the probability of all-cause dementia in 2,600 elderly participants who had initially shown no signs of the condition over a span of up to seven years.
Scientists matched their sleep behaviours with later dementia diagnoses, reports Gloucestershire Live.
The researchers noted that, after accounting for confounding factors, there was a notable connection between the frequency of distressing dreams and heightened risk of cognitive decline in middle-aged participants, along with increased risk of all-cause dementia in elderly participants.
In particular, middle-aged participants experiencing distressing dreams on a weekly basis at the start of the study were found to be four times more prone to suffer cognitive deterioration. In older adults, the risk of dementia was found to be twice as high for those experiencing distressing dreams.
The research team noted 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.”
The Alzheimer’s Society has also highlighted 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 explains.
“They may wake up suddenly and fall out of bed. If they are sleeping next to a partner, these involuntary movements can cause injury.”
This disorder doesn’t just result in exhaustion during the day but can also be hazardous if someone tumbles from their bed.
The NHS lists early warning signs of dementia, such as forgetfulness, struggling to focus, finding everyday activities challenging, difficulties keeping up with conversations or locating the correct words, becoming muddled about dates and locations, plus shifts in temperament.
If you or someone you know begins to show symptoms of dementia, it’s vital to seek medical advice without delay.