A recent study led by researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has identified that the inability to remember dreams upon waking may serve as an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. This study, which included 1,000 participants, revealed potential correlations between individuals who do not recall their dreams and initial biological changes linked to this deadly neurological disorder.
According to Darren Lipnicki, the study’s lead author and Research Fellow at UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), older adults who cannot remember their dreams may already exhibit early Alzheimer’s indicators, despite having normal memory function. The findings have been published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, which indicated that those unable to remember dreams experienced cognitive decline at double the rate of their dream-recalling peers.
Remarkably, the study highlights that forgetting dreams may indicate broader brain changes, rather than simple forgetfulness. Dr Lipnicki explained that this could be due to the brain producing fewer or less vivid dreams as it undergoes early neurodegenerative changes. Therefore, if individuals notice a decline in their dream recall as they age, it may be worth further investigation.
Alzheimer’s disease has emerged as the second leading cause of death in Australia. Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveal that the number of dementia-related deaths soared from 8,500 in 2009 to 17,400 in 2023. Currently, an estimated 425,000 to over 480,000 Australians live with dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for more than 70% of these cases. Without significant medical advancements, this figure is expected to surpass one million by the mid-21st century.
The researchers assert that the ability to recall dreams may offer critical insights into Alzheimer’s disease’s onset and progression, marking it as a potential target for future research and prevention strategies. This quick, low-cost assessment could help detect Alzheimer’s early, offering a valuable tool for medical professionals.
Furthermore, this is not the first occasion that UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing has explored the connection between dreaming and dementia. An earlier study indicated that adults aged 60 to 69 who frequently have distressing dreams are four times more likely to develop dementia. However, Dr Lipnicki cautioned that not everyone who experiences troubling dreams will necessarily face the disease.
In summary, the ability to remember dreams may play a significant role in identifying early Alzheimer’s indicators, opening avenues for further research and potentially enhancing preventative care in the future.