One study suggests that experiencing nightmares and frequent nightmares could be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease.
Distressing dreams have previously been associated with neurological disease.
But now experts at the University of Birmingham believe there is evidence that common nightmares could be an early warning sign of developing the disease.
The lead author, Dr. Abidemi Otaku, said: “While we need to do more research in this area, identifying the importance of nightmares and nightmares could indicate that people experiencing changes in their dreams in old age, with no obvious triggers, should seek medical advice.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unwanted or uncontrollable movements, such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty balancing and coordinating.
Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking.
The new study, published by eClinicalMedicine, used data from 3,818 men from the study of osteoporotic fractures in men in the United States.
None of the men – who were 67 or older – had Parkinson’s at the start of the investigation and were asked how often they had bad dreams.
People who said they had distressing dreams at least once a week were followed up at the end of the study to see if they were more likely to be diagnosed with the disease.
During a seven-year follow-up, 91 cases were diagnosed, most during the first five years of the investigation.
The researchers also found that those with frequent nightmares for the first five years were more than three times more likely to develop Parkinson’s.
They now plan to use electroencephalography (EEG) – which records brain activity – to analyze the biological causes of changes in dreams, and extend the research to larger groups of people of both sexes and different backgrounds, and to other diseases. neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Dr Katherine Fletcher, Director of Research Communications at Parkinson’s UK, said: with the progression of neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s.
“The more we know about the early signs of the disease and how it could change the brain, the closer the research will be to better treatments and a cure.
“This is vital for the 145,000 people who are currently being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK.”