I wake up at night screaming after terrors and worry they are a sign of dementia
DEAR DEIDRE: I WOKE my husband up in the early hours screaming like someone was attacking me.
I was dreaming about being kidnapped.
This isn’t the first time it has happened and I was hoarse all day.
I am 64 and retired. My husband is 66.
I am really afraid that these night terrors might become more regular or be a sign of dementia.
I believe they can be caused by anxiety but I already take medication for this.
Each day I go through all the important dates in our family including birthdays and anniversaries.
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I also go through all their names and addresses, make sure I know the current date and count backwards from 100.
I have heard these are some of the tests for establishing dementia.
When I woke up screaming I scared my husband so much.
DEIDRE SAYS: There can be many reasons night terrors happen including stress or traumas but it is important this is taken seriously. A sleep clinic might be able to help you so talk to your GP.
Ageing is the biggest risk factor for dementia but there are ways to reduce your risk including a healthy lifestyle and weight, regular exercise, not smoking and not drinking too much alcohol.
Staying mentally active by reading, doing puzzles or learning something new such as a language or a musical instrument is also beneficial.