An alarming symptom that may signal dementia could manifest during the night, a study reveals. This "distressing" sign could indicate a quadrupled risk of cognitive decline.

Occasional sleep disturbances are nothing out of the ordinary, as the NHS cautions that one in three individuals may struggle with temporary insomnia at some point. However, repeated

instances of nightmares might be indicative of something more concerning. A 2022 study published in The Lancet drew attention to "distressing dreams" as an early warning sign of

dementia in individuals who have not previously shown any signs of declining mental faculties. The investigation followed 605 middle-aged participants for 13 years and assessed the

risk of cognitive degradation among middle-aged subjects, with a concurrent uptick in the danger of all-cause dementia amongst the older population. Significantly, the study noted that those

in middle age who experienced troubling dreams weekly at the study's outset had a fourfold increased risk for cognitive decline. For older men, nightmares could double dementia risk, a

sobering study has found. Researchers noted that "the associations between distressing dreams and both cognitive outcomes were 'only statistically significant amongst

men'". The added: "We have determined that distressing dreams predict cognitive decline and all-cause dementia in middle-aged and older adults without cognitive impairment or

Parkinson's disease - especially amongst men... These findings may help to identify individuals at risk of dementia and could facilitate early prevention strategies." DEMENTIA

SYMPTOMS Separate to this research, particular sleeping patterns and behaviours have been flagged as possible dementia indicators. The Alzheimer's Society highlights that those with

dementia could suffer from REM behavioural sleep disorder (RBD), which compels sufferers to enact their dreams during REM sleep cycles – some of which can turn violent. "They may

physically act out their dreams, which can be violent in nature and their arms and legs may flail around," the society explains. This condition often leads to sudden awakenings and even

falling out of bed. The implications extend to the safety of bed partners, who might inadvertently get hurt by these unexpected movements. Such disrupted sleep isn't just an

inconvenience; it poses a genuine hazard of nocturnal falls. The NHS also suggests that "sleep disturbances" might signal Lewy body dementia, shining light on another facet of this

complex condition. Other red flags to look out for that may indicate dementia include: * Memory loss * Difficulty focusing * Struggles with everyday tasks * Trouble following conversations

or finding the right words * Confusion about time and place * Mood changes. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a medical

professional.