Helping to Manage Sundowner’s Syndrome

Living with Alzheimer’s can be a challenge for the entire family. Whether your family has professional Alzheimer’s care assistance or if you are caring for your loved one alone, it can seem as if each day is full of new challenges and developments. 

One of the things that makes Alzehimer’s care so challenging is that those living with the disease can have different needs at different times of the day. Late afternoon and early evening can be especially hard for those who experience Sundowner’s Syndrome.

What is Sundowner’s Syndrome?

It is a change in behavior, temperament, or personality that occurs in the late afternoon or early evening.  This occurrence is also known as “sundown syndrome” or “sundowners” or “sundowning.”

The experts at WebMD cite that 1 out of 5 people in need of Alzheimer’s care suffer from Sundowner’s Syndrome. Doctors do not know what causes the sundowning behavior. However, the part of the brain that tells you if you are awake or asleep typically breaks down in Alzheimer’s patients. Some scientists think these neurological changes affect the inner body clock. 

Sundowning can manifest in several ways. Your loved one may become:

• Agitated
• Restless
• Irritable
• Confused
• Disoriented
• Demanding
• Suspicious

People with Sundowner’s Syndrome may even yell or pace around the room, sometimes hearing or seeing things that are not there. They may also exhibit mood swings. These behaviors can become progressively worse and can range in duration from a short time to the entire night.

Suggestions for Managing Sundowner’s Syndrome

As a family caregiver, you will need to demonstrate flexibility and empathy to help your loved one feel as peaceful as possible.

1. OBSERVE
   Take careful notice of events that trigger the behavior. Does the evening news instigate agitation? Is the late afternoon a time of significant activity in your home? Anything that disturbs the regular order of the day could prompt a behavioral change. Nutritional triggers can also stimulate behavior. Assess and possibly limit caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake.
   
   
   
2. DISTRACT
   If this is their new reality, you must endeavor to understand it. Don’t express frustration with your loved one, but use activities, such as music or television shows, they enjoy as a calming tactic. It will divert their attention from troubling thoughts yet soothe them with the familiar things they love. Consider companion care from a professional home care agency to assist your loved one during the most challenging hours of sundowning behavior.
   
   
   
3. ADJUST
   In addition to natural light, the use of bright lights in the room during the day will ward off the evening shadows and maintain the daytime glow until it is time for bed.
   
   
   
4. SIMPLIFY
   Adjust their sleep environment to one that is welcoming and serene. Light-blocking curtains can create a cocoon-like setting that encourages a restful night’s sleep.
   
   
   
5. CONSULT
   Check with your loved one’s doctor* about natural supplements and discuss the possibility of recommending anti-anxiety and even anti-depressant meds. Use caution when purchasing anything over the counter unless the doctor has confirmed there is no interference with already prescribed medications.

Finally, try to have patience. It may take a little time to figure out what combination of solutions works for your loved one. When it comes to Alzheimer’s and dementia care, everyone is different. If you need professional at-home living assistance, we are here to help.

Together with your family, we will give your loved one all the respect and love they deserve with the finest in Alzheimer’s care. To request a free in-home consultation, and find out more about our caregiver services, call us today at 617-795-2727.

About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton:

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing high caliber in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our dementia and Alzheimer’s care, companion care, respite care, transitional aid, and elder home care services in Brookline, Watertown, Needham, Dedham, Canton, Stoughton, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, Westwood, Norwood and nearby towns. While non-medical in nature, the care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one's happiness and quality of life. If you find yourself or a loved one in need of in-home senior care services, don't hesitate to contact us!

* This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement or recommendation for treatment of any kind. If you are concerned about your loved one's health, a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s, or about their progression after diagnosis, please contact their physician. Visiting Angels does not provide medical care and does not provide recommendations on the type of treatments available for dementia or Alzheimers, nor do we endorse any specific treatments.