Understanding Sundowning and Its Impact on Dementia Patients
- Spirit of Hope Home Healthcare
- Aug 21, 2024
- 1 min read
Sundowning, a common symptom among Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, refers to the cognitive and behavioral decline that occurs in the late afternoon or evening. While it’s not a disease itself, sundowning can significantly affect patients, leading to symptoms such as confusion, aggression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. The exact cause remains uncertain, but it is believed to stem from changes in the brain due to disease progression.
When sundowning occurs, patients may become disoriented and struggle with recognizing familiar environments, people, or objects. This confusion often results in restlessness, insomnia, and an increased need for support during the evening hours.
Caregivers play a crucial role in managing sundowning symptoms. Creating a structured daily routine that incorporates adequate exposure to natural light, physical activity, and calming evening rituals can help reduce the severity of these episodes. It’s also important for caregivers to remain patient and provide reassurance during periods of confusion or distress, allowing the patient to feel safe and understood.
To help manage sundowning symptoms, caregivers can take several steps, including increasing light levels in the patient’s environment, reducing caffeine intake in the late afternoon, and scheduling stimulating activities earlier in the day. Creating a calming evening routine that avoids over-stimulation from television or difficult conversations is also important.
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