Do you have frequent nightmares? Australian study suggests higher risk of dementia; Don’t panic! What should we pay attention to?
Sydney: A new study indicates that consistently experiencing disturbing dreams or nightmares during sleep points to a higher risk of developing dementia in older adults, particularly men in their 60s. This crucial finding is from an international study led by the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at Australia’s renowned UNSW Sydney.
This research report was officially published on 18 March in the medical journal Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences.
Key findings of the study
The research team, led by Dr Darren Lipnicki, reached these conclusions after observing over 10,000 people aged between 60 and 89 from around the world over several years.
Four times higher risk: Among men aged between 60 and 69, those who experience disturbing dreams several times a week have a four times higher risk of developing dementia compared to others.
Risk of Alzheimer’s: The study also reveals that men who have such dreams at least once a week have more than a three times higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia).
Lower risk in women: Interestingly, the link between these nightmares and dementia is very weak in women. It is observed most strongly in men.
Why does this happen?
Although the scientific community has not yet fully understood the exact cause behind the link between dementia and nightmares, researchers primarily point out two possibilities:
Early brain changes: These nightmares could be early brain pathology indicating the onset of dementia affecting the brain. Chemical changes in the brain might reflect through dreams years before symptoms like memory loss appear.
Mental stress: This could also happen as a result of chronic stress affecting the brain over a long period.
Don’t panic! What should we pay attention to?
Researchers specifically remind us not to panic upon hearing this news. This is because not everyone who experiences nightmares will develop dementia. This is not a direct cause (causation), but rather just a sign (correlation).
See a doctor: If the older adults in your family (especially men over 60) consistently wake up startled from nightmares, treat it as a screening signal and have a chat with a doctor.
Lifestyle changes: Establishing good sleep hygiene, exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, and reducing stress can help prevent the risk of dementia to a great extent.
