8 early signs of dementia that you may experience while sleeping – Times of India

Detecting dementia is important for its effective management and in some cases preventing its progression, if the causes can be successfully treated. Recent research shows that dementia’s early signs can at times be detected in sleeping patterns, disorders or the content of your dreams. A Lancet study found that our dreams hide an amazing amount of information about our brain health. Distressing dreams for instance are associated with rapid cognitive decline and increased dementia risk in people with Parkinson’s disease.

As per this study, middle-aged people who experienced nightmares every week, were more at risk of cognitive decline over the following decade, while the older participants were twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia. Difficulty in falling or staying asleep, seeing vivid dreams, and poor quality dreams can all be linked to the possibility of developing dementia as per studies.


What is dementia?
Dementia cases have been rising in recent decades and over 10 million new cases of the debilitating neurological condition are being reported worldwide. The condition is caused when our nerve cells are damaged and their connections in the brain are disrupted. Dementia can lead to memory loss, impaired ability to make decisions, and eventually interfere with our everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.

Clues of dementia in the way you sleep
“Individuals with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder act out their dreams, often violently. Studies have shown that RBD can be an early sign of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Poor sleep quality, frequent awakenings, and difficulty falling asleep have been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. While the specific content of dreams has not been conclusively linked to dementia prediction, changes in dream frequency, intensity, and vividness have been observed in individuals experiencing cognitive decline,” says Dr Murali Krishna Consultant Neurologist CARE Hospitals Malakpet.

Early signs of dementia
Recognizing the early signs of dementia can be crucial for early intervention and management. Sleep-related symptoms are often among the first indicators.

Here are eight early signs of dementia as explained by Dr Shivaram Rao K, Consultant Neuro Physician, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, that may manifest during sleep:

1. Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep can be an early sign of dementia. Changes in the brain can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to chronic insomnia.

2. Frequent nighttime awakenings: Individuals may wake up multiple times during the night, often without a clear reason. This can be due to changes in brain function affecting sleep regulation.

3. Restless leg syndrome (RLS): A common symptom, RLS involves an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, especially at night. This can lead to poor sleep quality and is often seen in dementia patients.

4. Sleep apnea: Interrupted breathing during sleep, or sleep apnea, is more prevalent in individuals with dementia. This condition can significantly impact sleep quality and overall health.

5. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD): This disorder causes individuals to physically act out their dreams, sometimes violently. It’s often an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia.

6. Daytime sleepiness: Excessive sleepiness during the day, despite adequate night-time sleep, can be an early warning sign. It may indicate that night-time sleep is not restful or that the brain is struggling to regulate sleep patterns.

7. Vivid dreams and nightmares: Experiencing intense, vivid dreams or nightmares can be linked to early dementia. Changes in brain activity during sleep can lead to more vivid dreaming.

8. Circadian rhythm disruptions: Dementia can cause significant disruptions in the body’s internal clock. This can lead to confusion about the time of day, difficulty maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and increased activity or agitation during the night.