Acting out dreams while sleeping

wilkins57

My DH has started being vocal during his sleep and kicking and swinging his arms sometimes. I wake him up as he seems distressed. He says he was dreaming and was acting something out from his dream. He’s never done this before. Is this something typical for someone with dementia? Thank you.

SDianeL

yes unfortunately it’s somewhat common and more common in some forms of dementia. this explains it: Dementia can cause vivid dreams, but it also triggers hallucinations (seeing/hearing things not there) and delusions (false beliefs) due to brain changes, especially in conditions like Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), where acting out dreams (REM sleep behavior disorder) is common. While dreams are normal, dementia's impact blurs reality, making hallucinations a key symptom, often visual and sometimes frightening, though they can also be benign; understanding the difference and the underlying cause (like LBD or infections) is crucial for care.  talk to his doctor about medication to help.

Maru

My DH (stage 4ish) went through his earlier. He was so active in his sleep that I had to completely remake his bed from scratch in the morning. He has slept calmly for several months now, but I will not be surprised if it comes up again.

Some meds can cause this, so that is worth checking out.