The term "sundowning" refers to a state of confusion occurring in the late afternoon and lasting into the night. Sundowning can cause different behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions. Sundowning can also lead to pacing or wandering.
Sundowning is a neuropsychiatric symptom that begins at the time of sunset. This syndrome may occur in persons that have the start of Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's dementia.
If you care for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, you may notice certain behaviors and feelings from your loved one around sunset. This phenomenon is called sundown syndrome or sundowning. Symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, pacing, hallucinations, paranoia and confusion.
Early signs of sundowners syndrome include restlessness and agitation, irritability, confusion, disorientation, suspiciousness, and becoming demanding. As the condition progresses, these symptoms become more pronounced and more regular.
Sundowning: A Common Form of Delirium
Many hospitals have protocols in place to prevent sundowning, a form of delirium, in the elderly. One good idea is light therapy, in which rooms are kept bright during the day, with curtains open, and are darkened at night.
How long can an episode of sundowning last? Episodes of sundowning are temporary by definition because they generally occur during the late afternoon or evening. Episodes of sundowning may occur for a day or two, and then your loved one may not experience another episode for a while.
The symptoms can get worse as the night goes on and usually get better by morning. Although you may not be able to stop it completely, you can take steps to help manage this challenging time of day so you both sleep better and are less tired during the day.
People living with Alzheimer's and other dementia may have problems sleeping or experience increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, pacing and disorientation beginning at dusk and continuing throughout the night (referred to as sundowning).
Additionally, while a sundowning episode is happening, it can last for many hours or through the night. If it lasts through the night, it can greatly affect sleep for both the caregiver and person with dementia.
Sundowning can cause different behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions. Sundowning can also lead to pacing or wandering. Sundowning isn't a disease. It's a group of symptoms that occur at a specific time of the day.
Hypnotics, benzodiazepines, and low-potency antipsychotics are among conventional therapy that used to manage evening agitation and behavioral disruptions associated with sundowning.
There is currently no cure for Sundowner's Syndrome, but it can be treated. The best way to treat a person with the condition is by managing his or her behavior. Targeting the underlying causes and triggers will help you achieve this.
End-stage Parkinson's disease dementia
The later stages of Parkinson's disease have more severe symptoms that may require help moving around, around-the-clock care, or a wheelchair. Quality of life can decline rapidly. Risks of infection, incontinence, pneumonia, falls, insomnia, and choking increase.
There are two main types of dementia that affect some people with Parkinson's - they are called Parkinson's dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. If you have Parkinson's and are worried about dementia, keep in mind that some of the symptoms of dementia are similar to those caused by other health conditions.
Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) can occur as Parkinson's advances, after several years of motor symptoms. Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is diagnosed when cognitive decline happens first, or when Parkinson's motor symptoms and cognitive decline occur and progress closely together.
Factors that Aggravate Sundowning
Lack of sleep, fatigue, or mental exhaustion. Caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. Faded light, low light, and increased shadows that cause confusion and fear. Upset in their circadian rhythms, confusing day and night.
Stage 6. In stage 6 of dementia, a person may start forgetting the names of close loved ones and have little memory of recent events. Communication is severely disabled and delusions, compulsions, anxiety, and agitation may occur.
Because sundowning is related to changes in the sleep-wake pattern, as well as changes in daytime sunlight, many experts believe that practicing bright light therapy can help decrease sundowning behaviors and severity in dementia patients.
Sundowning is a form of delirium. It's akin to the night terrors that sometimes beset children. When people are delirious, they have no idea what they are doing. When the delirium passes, they have no memory of how out of control they may have been.
Sundowning, or sundown syndrome, is a neurological phenomenon associated with increased confusion and restlessness in people with delirium or some form of dementia.
The symptoms of sundowning typically occur between the hours of 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and may be worse during the fall and winter months when the daylight hours are shorter. As a caregiver, some signs to look out for include: Signs of fatigue or unmet needs, pain or discomfort. Agitation, anger or irritability.
What is Sundowning Delirium? People in the middle stages of Alzheimer's and dementia often have behavioral problems that begin at dusk and last into the night. These behaviors are known as sundowning delirium or simply, sundowning.
Sundowning vs. Delirium. Sundowning describes how some people with dementia have more issues with agitation, anxiety, or confusion during the late afternoon or evening. The main difference between this and delirium is that delirium happens suddenly and comes and goes throughout the day.