Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, and the symptoms often begin gradually. One of the most well-known symptoms is a slight tremor, often starting in the hands or fingers. However, one of the earliest signs of Parkinson's disease could manifest as bad dreams or nightmares.
That's according researchers from the University of Birmingham who found that older men who frequently experience bad dreams are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's later on.
"While we need to carry out further research in this area, identifying the significance of bad dreams and nightmares could indicate that individuals who experience changes to their dreams in older age – without any obvious trigger – should seek medical advice," stated Dr Abidemi Otaiku, the study's lead author. This approach to using nightmares as an indicator for Parkinson's risk is novel, although it has been previously noted that people with Parkinson's tend to have bad dreams more often.
Early diagnosis is crucial, yet the study highlights that there are 'very few' risk indicators for the disease, many of which are not specific to Parkinson's or require costly hospital tests. The research team utilised data spanning 12 years from a large cohort study in the US, involving 3,818 older men living independently.
At the start of the study, the male participants filled out a series of questionnaires, including one that asked about their sleep quality. Those who reported having bad dreams at least once a week were then tracked until the end of the study to see if they were more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, reports the Daily Record.
Nightmares and the Risk of Parkinson's: The Findings
During the follow-up period, 91 cases of Parkinson's were diagnosed. The results revealed that those who frequently experienced bad dreams were twice as likely to develop the disease compared to those who did not.
Most of the diagnoses occurred within the first five years of the study. Participants who had frequent bad dreams during this time were over three times more likely to develop Parkinson's.
Exploring the Link: Future Research
The researchers, whose study was published in eClinicalMedicine, believe our dreams can provide crucial insights into our brain structure and function and could be a significant focus for neuroscience research. The team plans to use electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the biological reasons behind changes in dreams.
They aim to replicate these findings in larger and more diverse groups and explore potential links between dreams and other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Beyond Nightmares: Other Early Symptoms
According to the NHS, symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:
- Tremors (shaking) – often starting in one hand, especially when it is at rest
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- Stiffness of muscles (rigidity)
- Difficulty with walking, balance and coordination
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early detection and intervention can significantly impact the progression of Parkinson's and improve quality of life.
