Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Dreaming is subserved by the default mode network (DMN) and can be abolished by focal lesions within key regions. DMN dysfunction is promoted by pre-clinical Alzheimer's pathology and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriage, but any effects of these on dreaming are unknown. METHODS: Associations between dream recall and APOE ε4 carriage and blood phosphorylated tau (p-tau) 217 levels were determined using data for 1049 cognitively normal adults. Associations between dream recall and cognitive decline and dementia risk were also investigated. RESULTS: Higher p-tau217 levels and APOE ε4 carriage were both associated with lower chances of dream recall, independently of memory test scores and other covariates. Not recalling dreams at baseline was associated with faster cognitive decline and greater likelihood of dementia over 10 years of follow up. DISCUSSION: Poor dream recall in later life may be a novel and easily assessed indicator of early neurodegeneration.