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8 Tips for Coping with Sundowning
Conquer dementia with compassion
Angry outbursts for no reason. Obstinate and unreasonable behavior where you feel like you can’t talk to the person with dementia. Demanding attention that you can’t give at the moment... all of this is common in sundowning.
What is sundowning?
Sundowning is a clinical term referring to a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, anxiety, and behavioral changes in individuals with dementia, particularly during the late afternoon, evening, or night.
Also known as sundown syndrome, it is characterized by worsening cognitive and behavioral symptoms in individuals with neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, during the latter part of the day.
This condition may manifest as:
- Increased agitation or restlessness
- Irritability or aggression
- Confusion and disorientation
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations or paranoia (in some cases)
Sundowning is thought to be related to disruptions in the body’s circadian rhythms (internal biological clock), leading to difficulties in regulating sleep-wake cycles. It may also be exacerbated by factors such as…
