This is a fascinating bit of research, where surprisingly the prevalence of sleep behavior disorder has been linked to decades-later onset of neurological disorders.  The dreams, which typically involve violent action with accompanying flailing of limbs, seem to be indicative of a future inclination (often by many decades) of Parkinson’s and several forms of dementia.

Of the 27 patients who fit the criteria (of which only three were women, reflecting the curious male predominance of RBD [REM sleep behavior disorder]), the median interval between onset of the sleep disorder and of the neurological disorder was 25 years, the team found. For six of these patients, Boeve says, the sleep disorder was first noticed by their spouse on their honeymoon or shortly afterward. In one case, RBD preceded Parkinson’s disease by 50 years…

“In the neurodegenerative realm, we just don’t know any other clinical manifestations that can start so far in advance,” Boeve says. “There are so few other illnesses that can have a window of decades from one clinical manifestation to another.”*

While dreams as predictors of psychology have always been of mixed review as a useful diagnostic or therapeutic tool, Chinese medicine for one has for thousands of years seen dream content as a useful window into physical health of the mind and body.  Much of this analysis surrounds the theory of Five Elements.  Some examples include:

“When the Kidneys are in excess one dreams that the spine is detached from the body…when they are weak, one dreams of being immersed in water.” -Spiritual Axis, chapter 43

“When the Liver is deficient, one dreams of very fragrant mushrooms. If the dream takes place in Spring, one dreams of lying under a tree without being able to get up.” -Simple Questions, chapter 80

“When the Heart is in excess, one dreams of laughing…when the Heart is deficient, one dreams of mountains, fire, and smoke.” -Spiritual Axis, chapter 43

While the modern research and the old Chinese understanding are of course based on very different tenets, it is always nice when modern medicine picks up on patterns that can be found by good observational skills, rather than relying on a microscopic analysis.  This is the sort of good medicine that is so sorely missing too often- and is a natural extension of the ability of a doctor with good bedside skill.

The body and mind give just about every clue that we need to maintain health, if only we were all observant enough to see it.  Just as jewelweed will grow near poison ivy, nature offers cures and insights that are closer than we think!