The first 8 signs of DEMENTIA that appear while you sleep

Detecting the early signs of dementia is important for managing it effectively and, in some cases, preventing its progression if the causes can be successfully treated.

Dementia cases have increased in recent decades, and more than 10 million new cases of the debilitating neurological condition are reported worldwide. The condition occurs when our nerve cells are damaged and their connections in the brain are interrupted.

Clues to dementia can be detected in sleep patterns

Recent research shows that the first signs of dementia can sometimes be detected in your sleep patterns, disturbances or the content of your dreams. And study The Lancet found that we are hiding a surprising amount of information about our brain health.

Disturbing dreams, for example, are associated with rapid cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia in people with Parkinson’s disease.

According to this study, middle-aged people who experienced nightmares every week were more at risk of cognitive decline over the next decade, while older participants were twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia.

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, see vivid dreams and poor quality dreams can all be linked to the possibility of developing dementia according to studies.

“People 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 dementia with Lewy bodies.

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. Although the specific content of dreams has not been conclusively linked to the prediction of dementia, changes in the frequency, intensity and intensity of dreams have been observed in individuals experiencing cognitive decline,” said Dr. Murali Krishna Consultant Neurologist CARE Hospitals Malakpet, according to Times of India.

The first 8 signs of dementia that appear while you sleep

Recognizing 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 that can manifest during sleep:

1. Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep 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 awakenings during the night: People may wake up several times during the night, often for no clear reason. This may be due to changes in brain function that affect sleep regulation.

3. Restless legs syndrome: A common symptom involving an uncontrollable need to move the legs, especially at night. This can lead to poor sleep quality and is often seen in patients with dementia.

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

5. REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD): This disorder causes individuals to physically act out their dreams, sometimes violently. It is often an early indicator of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia.

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

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

8. Circadian rhythm disorders: Dementia can cause significant disruptions to 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 restlessness during the night.