A 2022 study published in The Lancet’s eClinical Medicine found that middle-aged individuals who experienced nightmares at least once a week were four times more likely to experience cognitive decline over the following decade, with men showing a higher risk. The research, which analyzed data from large US studies involving participants aged 35-64 and over 79, suggests that frequent nightmares may be an early sign of dementia, especially in men. While the study only found an association, not a cause, the good news is that recurring nightmares are treatable, with first-line medical treatments already showing promise in decreasing the build-up of abnormal proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
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