Sundowning is a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other
forms of dementia. Confusion and agitation worsen in the late afternoon and
evening, or as the sun goes down. Symptoms are less pronounced earlier in the
day.
Sundowning most often affects people who have mid-stage and
advanced dementia. The phenomenon of sundowning is also sometimes called
“late-day confusion.” Reducing sundowning behavior can benefit both the person
with dementia and the caregiver.
Light Up the Night
Sundowning is thought to be related to changes in the body’s
circadian rhythms, or the sleep-wake cycle. Keeping your home brightly lit in
the afternoon and evening may help reduce the symptoms of sundowning syndrome.
According to studies published in Clinical Geriatrics,
people who were exposed to more light late in the day showed less agitation.
Light exposure helps your body recognize the
difference between day and night.
Stay Active
Many people who suffer from sundowning syndrome have trouble
sleeping. Elderly people who have dementia may not be very active during the
day and may rest a lot. Daytime napping, confusion, and agitation can make it
hard to settle down to sleep at night.
Fatigue is a common trigger for sundowning. Being well
rested can help combat symptoms. Stay active during the day with activities
geared to your level of physical and mental health to improve sleep quality and
reduce sundowning symptoms.
Minimize Stress
Try to stay calm in the evening hours. Stick to simple
activities that aren’t particularly challenging or frightening. Frustration and
stress can add to confusion, delirium, and irritability in people who are
affected by sundowning.
Put on soft music to create a calm and quiet environment.
Watching television or reading a book may be too difficult for someone with
dementia to follow.
Adjust Eating Patterns
You may be able to manage symptoms of sundowning by
adjusting eating patterns and mealtimes. Large meals—especially those that
contain caffeine and alcohol—can increase agitation and may keep you up at
night. Enjoy these foods during lunch instead of dinner. Limit evening intake
to a light snack that fills you up but won’t interfere with your rest.
Provide Comfort and Familiarity
Think back to the last time you were sick and wanted to
surround yourself with comforting thoughts and objects. For someone with
dementia, the world is suddenly a scary place. Comfort and familiarity are keys
to helping your loved one through this difficult time.
Senior citizens who live with sundowning syndrome in a
hospital or assisted living facility need comforting through the familiar
objects of their everyday life. Bring cherished items such as blankets or
family photos to the new facility to help ease the transition and curb
symptoms.
Write It Down
Each person has different triggers for sundowning. As
caretaker for someone in the earlier stages of dementia, you may not have
figured out which triggers worsen your loved one’s behavior.
Keep a journal of activities, environment, and behavior to
identify triggers. Once the triggers are known, it’s easier to avoid situations
that promote agitation and confusion.
Caring for the Caretaker
Sundowning syndrome can be exhausting for the people who
suffer from dementia as well as their caretakers. Caretakers need to take care
of themselves too.
Ask your doctor or your loved one’s physician about respite
care and support groups that will help you take time out for yourself
occasionally. You’ll be in a better position to give your loved one the
patience and support they need when you’re rested and healthy.
No comments:
Post a Comment