Having recurring nightmares can be a sign of cognitive decline.

A new study, presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress in Helsinki, has raised fresh concerns about the impact of recurring nightmares on middle-aged and older adults. The research, conducted by researchers at Imperial College London, suggests a significant link between recurring bad dreams and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

The data analyzed came from a group of 2,600 people. Those who reported experiencing weekly nightmares were four times more likely to have a decline in their cognitive ability. More worryingly, the study also found that this group had a 2.2-fold higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not experience frequent nightmares.

Why can nightmares have such a big impact on brain health?

The hypotheses that explain this relationship are still under investigation, but some interesting possibilities emerge:

• disturbed sleep: Recurring nightmares can Sleep partreducing deep, restorative sleep. This lack of quality sleep can impair cognitive performance and increase susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

• Brain warning sign: Nightmares can be disturbing and vivid. Early sign of brain changesRelated to diseases such as dementia. In these cases, nightmares may reflect the buildup of abnormal proteins, such as beta-amyloid and tau, in the brain, a feature of Alzheimer’s disease.

• Independent risk factor: Studies suggest that recurring nightmares may be a independent risk factor For dementia, even after taking into account other factors such as age, gender, education level, and family history. This means that having recurring nightmares can increase the risk of dementia, even for those who have no other known risk factors.

What factors lead to nightmares?

Nightmares can be caused by several factors, such as watching horror movies before bed, stress or anxiety. However, the study suggests that there are also genetic cause Related predisposes some individuals to experience these disturbing dreams frequently.

Some measures that can help reduce the frequency of nightmares:

• Adopt good sleep habits: Set regular sleep and wake times, create a comfortable sleep environment, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and exercise regularly.

• Stress management: Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may contribute to nightmares.

• Seek professional help: If nightmares cause significant distress or interfere with daily life, a psychiatrist or therapist can help with treatment using techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Understanding the relationship between nightmares and cognitive decline/dementia may be critical. Prevent or delay the onset of diseaseBy paying attention to our bodies’ signals and seeking professional help when necessary, we can take care of our brain health and have a future with a better quality of life.