Seasonal Sundowning and Alzheimer’s

The seasons changing can affect a person who has Alzheimer’s disease. Receiving more sunlight is helpful for Alzheimer’s patients. The start of spring and the onset of summer can have multiple effects. Since sundowning symptoms in Alzheimer's patients start to show up when the sun goes down, longer periods of light is helpful. It can help relieve the symptoms of confusion, irritability and restlessness.

Causes and signs of seasonal sundowning

Some of the effects of sundowning can be multiplied if the person is fatigued or hasn't had much sleep. Or, if the person has drunk too much caffeine, has a urinary tract infection or a sinus infection. Also, if there is poor lighting in the home that casts shadows and even if there is an increase in shadows around the exterior of the house.

There is also the risk of personal injury since the confusion in the person can cause dangerous situations. If the person wanders outside in the summer months, not dressed for the weather and becomes lost, then the result can be dehydration. Plus, if the person becomes violent and strikes out at another person, they can become injured.

Treating seasonal sundowning

Sundowning not only affects the person experiencing it but it can affect the caregivers as well. The ideal goal is to help the person maintain staying calm and to stay oriented to where they are and the time.

There are some steps which can be completed to lessen the symptoms of seasonal sundowning:

• Keep to a regular schedule: A person who suffers from Alzheimer's will react to people, places, and things which aren't familiar to them. If they stick to a routine which involves doing the same things at the same time in the same place, it will help with the agitation. If changes do have to be made, make them gradually instead of changing it quickly.
• Eating schedule adjustment: If large meals are planned for earlier in the day, it can help with the symptoms of sundowning. A light snack for dinner without alcohol or caffeine will also help keep them stabilized.
• Keep them active: When a person with Alzheimer’s is kept busy and active during the day, it improves the quality of sleep they get at night. If sleep is an issue, some doctors may recommend melatonin to help sleep but don’t give a person with dementia any type of supplement without clearing it with the doctor.
• Figure out the cause factor: What frustrates one person with Alzheimer's may not trigger another one. Everyone is different and identifying what those triggers are is essential. Figuring out what is causing the confusion, agitation and stress is one way to reduce seasonal sundowning issues.
• Keep stress levels low: A person with Alzheimer's can become frustrated if given something that is too challenging for them to accomplish. This is especially true if it's later in the day. This could be something as simple as listening to music or trying to play cards. If the environment is kept as stress-free and calm as possible, then sundowning may be lessened or even avoided.
• Keep it light: Before the sun even sets, switch on all the lights to keep shadows away. If the person can access the windows, turn on the outside lights too.

Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s is stressful enough without the added problem of sundowning. If help is needed to handle this issue, Right at Home Smithtown has certified professional that can help. Call us today or contact us online.