Sundowning is the term used to describe the confused and agitated state that some Alzheimer’s and dementia patients experience as the sun goes down and the day comes to an end. The causes and symptoms of sundowning can be different from person to person. Below are the general causes and symptoms, but it is important to note that some things may not trigger sundowning in some while it does not for others and vice versa. The same can be said about the symptoms since some can experiences can be more extreme than those of others.
Causes:
- Changes to the brain’s circadian pacemaker (biological clock)
- End of day exhaustion (physical & mental)
- Pain
- Severe constipation
- Poor nourishment/ Fatigue
- Being on too many medications
- Infection
- Noisy and disruptive sleeping environment
- Reduced lighting and increased shadows
- Disorientation
Symptoms:
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Deliriousness
- Agitation
- Anxiousness
- Restlessness
- Pacing
- Anger/ Violence
- Depression
- Stubbornness
- Shadowing (following you around)
- Paranoia/ Hallucinations
- Wandering
- Hiding Things
20% of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia suffer from sundowning, which can have a toll on the person and their caregiver as well. The main issue sundowners experience is the inability to sleep at night, which is very dangerous as they may wander and become lost. Caregivers then become worried that their loved one may wander during the night and this contributes greatly to caregiver burnout. Although no medication has been proven to eliminate sundowner’s syndrome there are other treatments to make it less severe and to help your loved one cope with it.
Treatments/ Coping Strategies
- Establish a routine
- Monitor diet/ adequate nutrition (limit caffeine and sugar to mornings & offer dinner early)
- Keep a night light on (Dim lighting)
- Control noise level
- Identify and avoid triggers
- Good sleeping environment
- Limit naps during the day
- Use distractions (Redirect them)
- Calm reassurance
We understand that sundowning can be difficult on the entire family, but if you follow these tips you could reduce the outburst and help your loved one sleep through the night. The best way to deal with sundowning is reassuring and aiding your loved one when they are disoriented. If both of you are heated or upset the situation may ultimately get worse for both of you. Talk to your doctor if you believe something else may be causing your loved one these issues.
How Can Oxnard Family Circle Help?
Consider Day Care for your loved one.
At Oxnard Family Circle Adult Day Healthcare Center we can assist you in creating a stable and fun routine for your loved one. We offer transportation to and from the facility, so that participants can arrive and leave around the same time every day. Both seniors and adults can take advantage of the fun activities and trips we have to offer throughout the day, which stimulate and work their minds. We understand that senior and adult care can be difficult and the difficulty of the care can be worsened when they suffer from sundowning. At our center we can assure you that our senior care and services are to the highest possible standard.
We work with your family and primary care physician to ensure your loved one gets the care they need. During the day we provide our participants with two hot nutritious meals and snacks that have been approved by a registered dietitian. If your loved one requires more attention we have a memory care unit where our participants with more advanced memory and cognitive impairments stay. In this unit we have nursing and activity staff who care for them while they too benefit from a scheduled day full of activities among other things. Routine is an essential part of the day and we can assist you in ensuring that your loved one gets just that.
Oxnard Family Circle ADHC can also help you as a caregiver during times of stress and need. We offer additional respite care every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, so that you can run errands without worrying about your loved ones well-being. Along with that every 2nd Saturday of the month we also have the Garden of Memories Cafe where the Alzheimer’s Association comes and talks about various topics and where you can talk to other in the same situation and at the same time your loved one would be it the respite care program, which allows you worry free time. You do not need to do it all on your own. Schedule a tour today and see how Oxnard Family Circle can help you.
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