What is sundowning?
Up to 2 out of every 3 people with Alzheimer's disease may experience sundowning symptoms. These are most common in the middle and later stages of the disease. The main trigger for the symptoms tends to be fading light, which is why things like "falling back" to end daylight saving time can be extra stressful for caregivers.
Sundowning is a group of symptoms that many people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia get in the later afternoon and early evening. Because of when symptoms occur your loved one may experience disruption in their sleep and wake cycles, which in turn means, you might also experience disruptions.
Sundowning generally occurs in the late afternoon and early evening hours.
Symptoms include:
- Sadness
- Restlessness
- Increased confusion
- Energy surges
- Delusions
- Mood swings
- It may also be associated with disruption in the sleep and wake cycles.
Here are some tips for coping with sundowning in your loved one:
- Keep a daily routine - similar to what we do at Grace Place Alzheimer's Center
- Reduce stimulation in the evening
- Keep the home well-lit in the evening
- Allow the person to pace back and forth
- Exercise during the day
Things to keep in mind:
- This is not delirium. Delirium comes and goes throughout the day, whereas sundowning happens in the late afternoon and evening.
- When this occurs, stay calm because if you get upset your loved one may become more upset.
- Ask for help! Talk to your loved ones doctor if they start exhibiting symptoms to see if they can help.
- Always take care of yourself. To be the best caregiver you can be, you need to make sure you are healthy and tell rested.
More information about sundowing and how to manage the symptoms is available on AARP and WebMD.
