Recurring Nightmares Could signal Future Dementia Risk, Especially in Men
world-today-news.com – June 28, 2025 – A groundbreaking study reveals a concerning link between frequent nightmares and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, particularly in men. The research, published in The Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine journal in 2022, suggests that bad dreams may serve as an early warning sign, possibly preceding noticeable memory and thinking problems by years or even decades [[1]].
The study analyzed data from over 600 middle-aged (35-64) and 2,600 older (79+) participants, all dementia-free at the study’s outset.Over a follow-up period of nine years for the middle-aged group and five years for the older group, researchers found a important correlation between nightmare frequency and future cognitive issues.
Specifically, middle-aged individuals experiencing weekly nightmares were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline, while older participants faced a twofold increased risk of dementia [[3]]. Notably, this connection was considerably stronger in men. Older men with weekly nightmares were five times more likely to develop dementia compared to those reporting no bad dreams, while the risk increase for women was only 41% [[1]].
While the study doesn’t definitively prove nightmares cause dementia, it strongly suggests they may be an early indicator of underlying brain changes. Researchers also point out that treatment for recurring nightmares is available and may even slow the buildup
