I spent most of my life swearing I do not dream, but realise I do, but not often where I remember unless it is very, very scary and something weird reinforces it as soon as I wake up.
Last week woke up unable to breathe, could not figure it out as I felt my nose running like heck.. Looked down once more awake, CPAP mask full to the top with blood, yet blanket also smeared all the way down to my foot area. Also large really wet area on pillow where I guess mask was resting before I woke up.
Not sure there are images like you may have. I know what 2+2 equals without image, I can describe the UFO I experienced with my first wife and brother and his wife - the same way.. Intellectually, memory as you did when I asked what 2+2 is... Once you reinforce your long term memory I bet you no longer have to see the image of 2+2=4... You just know now... Just like I do..except it is everything I see or read, learn..all to long term memory without the visual first. I am extremely hyper attentive, see much more detail then most people.