January 10, 2025: Moving around during sleep is an early sign of dementia.

Boffins say that those who suffer from the condition known as REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) – where individuals ‘act out’ their dreams – are exhibiting indications of the cognitive illness.

RBD sufferers have an increased inflammation in the area of the brain where the chemical dopamine is produced and dementia patients are known to have reduced supplies of the hormone.

Scientists in the US have developed an AI-powered algorithm to analyse video recordings of clinical sleep tests to pinpoint patients at the highest risk of the disease.

Dr. Emmanuel During, an associate professor of neurology at New York’s Mount Sinai School of Medicine, said: “This automated approach could be integrated into clinics during the interpretation of sleep tests to enhance and facilitate diagnosis, and avoid missed diagnoses.

“This method could also be used to inform treatment decisions based on the severity of movements displayed during the sleep tests and, ultimately, help doctors personalise care plans for individual patients.”