If you care for an aging family member with dementia, you may have noticed an increase in confusion, anxiety or even aggression near the end of the day. This may be a sign of sundowning—a term that refers to a specific type of late-day confusion, even in those who function well during the day.
Sundowning often begins around 4:00 pm and is marked by signs of anxiety, sadness, confusion and/or irritation. Some individuals who experience sundowning will pace their home or start wandering. They may also ignore directions or struggle to communicate clearly. Sundowning is not a disease itself—it’s a group of symptoms—and it’s common in individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairments.
What causes sundowning?
While the exact cause is known, medical experts believe sundowning is triggered by a combination of things including a lack of sunlight, disruption to a person’s internal clock, end of day fatigue, unfamiliar settings and other factors. In some cases, the symptoms of sundowning can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which should be assessed by a medical professional.
Reducing the impact of sundowning
While challenging and often upsetting for loved ones to witness, sundowning is not uncommon. It’s particularly recurrent in seniors in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, but can happen to anyone with dementia. Fortunately, there are ways to help reduce the signs and frequency of this condition, making life easier and more pleasant for both seniors and their caregivers.
Sundowning symptoms can often be mitigated by maintaining a consistent daily routine and sleep schedule. A long afternoon nap can disrupt a senior’s sleep pattern and exacerbate the effects of sundowning, particularly if napping is not a part of the senior’s daily schedule.
To reduce the effects of sundowning, it may also help to limit caffeine and sugar intake, avoid unfamiliar surroundings in the late afternoon and evening, and reduce overstimulating sounds (for example, loud music or television) at the end of the day. It’s also best if a senior is active and exposed to sunlight and/or brightly lit spaces during the day, and sleeps in a dark space overnight. The more reliable these routines are, the better they help.
We’re here to help
Living Assistance Services provides support to individuals with dementia or other conditions that impact their quality of life and ability to thrive independently at home. Our dedicated team of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) is available to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) as well as providing joyful companionship and accompanying seniors to medical appointments or on errands. If you’d like to learn more about in-home caregiver services in the greater Toronto area, please contact us. We’d be pleased to offer personalized recommendations and a quote for our services.