Sundowning—Never Heard of It?

Try choosing THE CORRECT ANSWER BELOW:

1. Sundowning is associated with mid-stage dementia.
2. One might experience sundowning as the result of changes in the circadian rhythm.
3. Sundowning is also known as late day confusion.
4. Going for a walk in the park together with another person can reduce sundowning symptoms.
5. All of the above are correct.

Now, after reading the below, let’s see if you chose the correct answer!

Sundowning, also known as late day confusion, is a symptom of Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. If someone you care for has this condition, his or her disorientation and agitation may get worse in the late afternoon, or evening. In comparison, his, or her, symptom may be less pronounced less earlier in the day. An individual is most likely to experience sundowning if he, or she, has mid-stage, or advanced dementia. You can take steps, however, to reduce its symptoms for the benefit of you and your loved one. How?

Stick to a schedule.

Dementia can make it difficult to remember new routines. Your loved one might react to unfamiliar places and things with feelings of stress, confusion, and anger. These emotions can play a significant role in sundowning. Adhere to the same schedule every day to help your loved one maintain peace of mind. Try to avoid altering routines. If you need to make changes, do so gradually and provide as much consistency as possible.

Light up his, or her, life.

Your loved one might experience sundowning as the result of changes in his or her circadian rhythm, or sleep-wake cycle. Adjusting the light in the home might help reduce symptoms. Try brightening the lights when he or she feels confused or agitated, suggests the Alzheimer’s Association.

Keep active.

Many people who experience sundowning have trouble sleeping at night. In turn, fatigue is a common trigger. This can create a vicious cycle. Too much daytime dozing and inactivity can make it harder for your loved one to fall asleep at bedtime. To promote a good night’s rest, encourage him, or her, to stay active during the day. For instance, go for a walk in the park together. This may help improve sleep quality and reduce sundowning symptoms. It will also promote better physical health.

Provide comfort and familiarity.

Recollect the last time you were sick. Chances are you wanted to be surrounded by comforting thoughts, things, and people. For a loved one with dementia, their environment can become a scary place. Comfort and familiarity can help him or her cope with this difficult time. Fill your loved one’s life and home with articles he, or she, may find reassuring. If in a hospital or assisted living facility, furnish his or her space with cherished items from the past. For example, bring a favourite blanket or family photos to the new location. This may help ease the transition and curb sundowning symptoms.

Let’s return to the quiz above; all the answers are correct!

For advice about seniors and care at home, please kindly contact Brian Porter, Director and Owner of Living Assistance Services (LAS), at 416.483.0070 (office), 905.758.2486 (cell) or [email protected] and visit: www.livingassistance.ca