Nightmares May Be Linked to Increased Dementia Risk, New Research Suggests
Birmingham, UK – Frequent nightmares could serve as an early warning sign for dementia risk, according to research published by the University of Birmingham. A study led by NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in Neurology, Abidemi Otaiku, has revealed a significant association between disturbing dreams adn the development of dementia years later.
The research, initially published in September 2022 and recently gaining attention, analyzed data from multiple studies involving thousands of participants. Findings indicate individuals experiencing frequent nightmares had a higher likelihood of developing dementia, even after accounting for other known risk factors.
Specifically, the study builds on existing knowledge linking sleep disturbances to neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal clumps of amyloid-beta proteins, associated with Alzheimer’s disease, are a key area of investigation. Researchers also point to case reports demonstrating improvements in memory and thinking skills following treatment for nightmares.
“These findings suggest that treating nightmares might help to slow cognitive decline and to prevent dementia from developing in some people,” Otaiku stated in an article republished from the Conversation.
Future research will focus on investigating whether nightmares in younger populations also correlate with increased dementia risk, possibly determining if they are a causative factor or an early symptom.Otaiku also plans to explore the connection between other dream characteristics – such as dream recall frequency and vividness - and future dementia development.
The research aims to not only improve early diagnosis and intervention opportunities,potentially referencing advancements like the FDA-approved sleeping pill showing promise in slowing Alzheimer’s tangles in pre-clinical trials,but also to deepen understanding of the basic nature of dreaming itself.
