Poor sleep has long been linked to a variety of health issues, including an increased risk of dementia in midlife. However, a recent study published in the medical journal The Lancet’s eClinical Medicine has shed light on another factor that may contribute to the development of this condition: our dreams.
According to the study, which was conducted in 2022, the content of our dreams may be linked to our likelihood of developing dementia later in life, particularly for men. The lead author of the study, Dr. Abidemi Otaiku, wrote for Science Alert, “These results suggest frequent nightmares may be one of the earliest signs of dementia, which can precede the development of memory and thinking problems by several years or even decades – especially in men.”
So, how exactly did the study work and what did it find? The researchers analyzed data from two large US studies, one involving 605 adults aged between 35 and 64, and the other involving 2,600 participants aged over 79. The younger group was followed for approximately nine years, while the older group was followed for an average of five years. None of the participants had dementia at the start of the studies.
All participants were asked to fill out questionnaires at the beginning of the study, including one that asked about the frequency of bad dreams and nightmares that wake them up in the middle of the night. The results showed that middle-aged participants who experienced nightmares at least once a week were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline over the following decade, while the older participants were twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
For men in the older age group who experienced nightmares at least once a week, the risk of developing cognitive decline was five times higher compared to those who did not have frequent nightmares. For older women, the risk was 41% higher, while middle-aged groups showed similar patterns.
However, it is important to note that this does not mean that having nightmares once a week guarantees the development of dementia. The study only found an association, not a cause. As Dr. Otaiku wrote for Science Alert, “These results suggest frequent nightmares may be one of the earliest signs of dementia, which can precede the development of memory and thinking problems by several years or even decades – especially in men.” He also added that the 2022 data could not prove this and did not seek to do so.
The good news is that recurring nightmares are treatable. As Dr. Otaiku later told the publication, there are various forms of therapy and medications that can be used to address recurring nightmares, depending on their cause. In fact, the first-line medical treatment for nightmares has been shown to decrease the build-up of abnormal proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
This study adds to the growing body of research on the link between sleep and dementia. Previous studies have also found that poor sleep quality, sleep disorders, and sleep deprivation can increase the risk of developing dementia. This highlights the importance of prioritizing good sleep habits and seeking treatment for any sleep issues.
In addition to addressing sleep problems, there are other lifestyle factors that can help reduce the risk of dementia. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and staying mentally and socially active have all been shown to have a positive impact on brain health.
In conclusion, while this study may have found a potential link between nightmares and dementia, it is important to remember that it is just one piece of the puzzle. More research is needed to fully understand the connection and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. In the meantime, taking care of our sleep and overall health can help reduce the risk of developing this debilitating condition.
