We spend a lot of time sleeping, and a lot of that time is spent dreaming. And although the majority of us don't give it much thought, there may be a significant factor that predicts the chance of dementia in later years.
Even if we can't recall our dreams, so much of our lives are spent in a dream state. That being said, regardless of how frequently we dream, we will likely never fully understand the purpose of dreams, how the brain generates them, or the implications for our health. However, a recent study that was published in the eClinicalMedicine journal has helped to clarify at least some aspects of dreaming and what it means for the health of our brains.
The study's key finding is that having frequent nightmares in middle age is a precursor to dementia. Over 600 participants in the study, ages 35 to 64, had their data examined. All of the subjects in the trial were dementia-free at the beginning. Follow-up with the subjects lasted an average of nine years.
They were invited to fill out surveys, which included a questionnaire about whether or not they had dreams and how frequently. The information was then examined to determine whether an earlier increase in nightmare frequency would result in a later decline in cognitive function.
Those who experienced nightmares every week were far more likely to experience cognitive decline over the next decade than the other participants. The connection between nightmares and future dementia was much more apparent in women.
The major takeaway of the study was that nightmares regularly in middle age years could be a first warning sign of dementia. An alternative theory posed by the author of the study is that nightmares could even cause dementia. However, they agree that the nature of the study makes it difficult to know which is more likely.