Education and Care - Coping with Sundowning
Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Sundowning is a dementia-related symptom that refers to increased agitation, confusion and hyperactivity that begins in the late afternoon and builds throughout the evening. Most sundowning emerges in mid-stage dementia and slowly worsens as the disease progresses. What causes it? Dementia may damage the body's internal clock, causing a disruption of sleep-wake cycles. Secondly, individuals with dementia become fatigued by their inability to process information; the more hours spent on this process, the more exhausted - and irritable - they may become.
Tips:
- Plan activities or outings in the morning.
- Do only simple, calming activities in the afternoon.
- Keep individuals awake during the day.
- Increase indoor lighting before dusk.
- Ensure that the individual is not suffering from hunger, thirst, pain or fear.
- Correct potential causes with basic interventions such as hydration and snacks.
- Remove excess stimuli and clutter.
- Watch for sundowning in early-stage dementia or rapidly worsening symptoms, both of which may suggest "delirium".
- Consult your doctor to see if medications may help.
- Be twice as patient and kind during these hours.
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