Understanding Dementia: Minimizing Sundowner Syndrome
What is Sundowner Syndrome?
Sundowner Syndrome is a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It is amongst many new behaviors that your loved one will endure. It is a neurological phenomenon that is characterized by agitation, confusion, anxiety, and aggression during the late afternoon to late at night.
Why does Sundowner Syndrome occur?
There is much unknown about the behavior, but scientist and doctors agree that it occurs during transition into the evening, hence the name “Sundowing”. Researchers have found that sundowning may occur because of the disruption in the body’s circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm helps regulate our sleepiness and wakefulness during the day. In other words, it tells us when to sleep and when to wake.
In terms of Alzheimer’s, researchers have long been studying the correlation between poor sleep and dementia. In fact, research done just last year showed that sleep problems may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. The study found that those who experience frequent sleep disturbances have higher levels of beta-amyloid, a protein that forms a sticky plaque that kills brain cells and destroy synapses.
What Stage of Dementia is Sundowning?
Sundowning can occur at any stage of the disease but typical peaks during the middle stages of the disease and lessens as the disease progresses. During the middle stages, people begin to experience changes in memory such as difficulty storing and retrieving information from long-term memory. Due to these changes, their perception of their surroundings has been altered, causing paranoia and agitation.
How to Help Someone Who Is Sundowning?
Sundowning can be a difficult trait of the disease to understand and manage effectively. Luckily, there are methods that can help you reduce sundowning. These methods include:
- Creating and sticking to a daily schedule
- Keep them active
- Keep them in familiar settings
- Ensure there is enough light in the home
Create a Schedule
A consistent, daily routine can help minimize the symptoms as their brain gets used to doing something on a regular basis. It’s important to reduce changes to this schedule as much as you can, and if changes are necessary, gradually build up to it.
Keep Their Mind and Body Moving
Regular and consistent exercise can help people with Alzheimer’s stay active and avoid confusion during the day. In addition, keeping them active during the day can also help them sleep better and longer during the day.
Familiarity is Key
About Right at Home Palm Beach
The Right at Home Palm Beach office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, LLC, serving the communities of Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens. For more information, visit Right at Home Palm Beach, or contact Bruce Gropper at (561) 440-2273 or by email at bruce@best4care.com.
