Dreaming: Associations with Neuropathology and Dementia

Dreaming research has become a growing field of interest in neuroscience and neuropsychology, particularly concerning its relationship with underlying neuropathological processes and cognitive decline. Mounting evidence suggests that alterations in dreaming patterns—such as reduced dream recall, frequent nightmares, or changes in dream content—may be linked to biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including phosphorylated tau and genetic factors like APOE ε4. These findings imply that dream characteristics might reflect subtle neurobiological changes preceding clinical symptoms of dementia. However, the precise mechanisms connecting altered dreaming to neuropathology and subsequent dementia remain largely unknown. While the predictive value of dream features is being explored, our current understanding is limited by methodological inconsistencies, small sample sizes, and a lack of longitudinal data. Recent neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies provide new insights into brain networks implicated in dreaming, such as the default mode network, yet the field still lacks integrative models connecting dream phenomena with progressive neuropathological changes.This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of how dreaming may be associated with neuropathology and dementia, positioning dream alterations as potential early indicators of cognitive decline. It seeks to answer fundamental questions regarding how and why dream frequency, vividness, or recall changes occur in parallel with brain pathology, what neural mechanisms mediate these effects, and whether interventions targeting brain health could modulate dreaming patterns. The topic also aims to bridge neurobiological and psychological perspectives, encouraging work that combines clinical, behavioral, and neuroimaging data. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this Research Topic aspires to refine the understanding of dream-related biomarkers and their potential diagnostic or prognostic value in neurodegenerative disorders.To gather further insights into the complex relationships linking dreaming and dementia, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Neural and molecular mechanisms connecting dream alterations with biomarkers of neurodegenerationo The role of phosphorylated tau and APOE genotype in dream recall and content changeso Dream features and their evolution in Parkinson’s disease, REM sleep behavior disorder, and related conditionso The relationship between default mode network activity, dreaming, and cognitive declineo Longitudinal tracking of dream features as predictors of dementia onset and progressiono Cultural, regional, and sex differences influencing dream-related risk patterns for dementiao Advances in the methods for assessing dream recall, frequency, and emotional tone in large-scale or longitudinal studiesArticle types welcomed: Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Hypothesis & Theory, Brief Research Report, and Perspective. Topic editors: Darren Michael Lipnicki, Dae Jong Oh Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82624/dreaming-associations-with-neuropathology-and-dementia