Sundowning is a phenomenon often observed in seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. It refers to a pattern of increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, or restlessness that typically occurs in the late afternoon or evening. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as many as 20 percent of people with Alzheimer’s experience sundowning symptoms.
What Is the Cause of Sundowning?
While the exact cause of sundowning isn’t fully understood, it is thought to be linked to the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), which regulates sleep and wake cycles, explaining why it typically occurs in the late afternoon or early evening. Your loved one may exhibit some of these common signs:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Combative behavior or aggression
- Sadness
- Restlessness
- Increased confusion
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
For caregivers and families of those with dementia, managing sundowning can be challenging. Finding resources to help your loved one and your family can help you better cope and manage some of the difficult symptoms.
Tips for Managing Sundowning Symptoms
While sundowning can be distressing for both the senior and their caregiver, there are strategies to help minimize its effects. Families and caregivers can try a variety of approaches to help their loved one.
Establish a Routine
Keeping a consistent daily routine helps reduce confusion. Try to schedule activities earlier in the day when the person is more alert.
Maximize Daylight Exposure
Exposure to natural light during the day can help regulate the body’s internal clock. Open curtains or take your family member outside in the morning or early afternoon.
Create a Calming Environment
As evening approaches, dim lights can be disorienting. Keep the environment well-lit to minimize shadows and dark corners. Use soft lighting in the evening to create a peaceful ambiance.
Encourage Physical Activity
Regular exercise during the day can help reduce restlessness and improve sleep quality. Gentle physical activities like walking or stretching are excellent options.
Monitor Diet
Limit the intake of caffeine, sugar, and heavy meals later in the day. These can contribute to increased agitation and make it harder to fall asleep.
Use Relaxation Techniques
Incorporating relaxing activities like soothing music, reading, or gentle massages with soothing aromas like lavender can help ease anxiety and agitation as the evening approaches.
Consult a Physician
In some cases, medication or professional intervention may be necessary to manage the symptoms of sundowning.
Managing sundowner’s syndrome can be challenging for families who have stepped in as caregivers. Know that you don’t have to handle it all alone. There are expert resources available like Barton House Memory Care in Scottsdale, AZ.
The team at Novellus Barton House understands the complexities of sundowning and offers comprehensive care in a specialized environment to help manage it effectively. Here, you’ll find a warm and welcoming environment offering:
- 24/7 Supervision: Caregivers are available around the clock to manage the unique needs of individuals with dementia, including those who experience sundowning.
- Structured Routines: The team at Novellus Barton House implements daily routines that reduce confusion and help manage behavioral symptoms.
- Personalized Care Plans: Each resident receives a care plan tailored to their specific needs, which includes strategies to reduce sundowning symptoms, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being.
- Calming and Secure Environment: The community is designed to provide a secure, tranquil setting. Specialized lighting, calming colors, and sensory-friendly spaces are key components of this memory care community.
- Trained Staff: Barton House staff are trained in dementia care and understand how to implement best practices for managing sundowning. They work closely with families to ensure that each resident receives compassionate, individualized care.
Choosing the right memory care is essential for families navigating the challenges of dementia. At Barton House, families can rest assured knowing their loved one is in a secure, nurturing, and supportive environment that promotes comfort, structure, and peace of mind.
Though sundowner’s syndrome can be difficult to manage, with the right support and care strategies, its effects can be minimized. For families seeking expert care for their loved ones with dementia, Barton House Memory Care in Scottsdale offers a thoughtful and nurturing approach that ensures seniors’ well-being, even in the face of sundowning and other dementia-related symptoms.
Managing Dementia Can Be Hard. Let Us Help.
Our team is here to be your resource for managing sundowning symptoms and expert dementia care. Tour our memory care community today and see how we help your loved one manage dementia and promote well-being