Sundowning

            

          Sundowning is a symptom of Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia that is a biological mix-up between day and night.

          Sun downing is triggered by the fading of light at the end of the day. Confusion and agitation worsens towards late afternoon/evening. This may bring on both physical and/or mental exhaustion.

Strategies to deal with Sundowning:

     ·        Try to maintain a daily schedule

     ·        Approach in a calm manner, remind the client of the time of day in activity (i.e.:           breakfast, dinner)

     ·        Plan active days, but avoid stimulating activities late in the day.

     ·        Avoid big meals in the evenings.

     ·        Keep home well-lit through the day, and into the night.

     ·        Acknowledge concerns without argument, and don’t attempt to convince them               otherwise.

     ·        Limit environmental distractions (i.e.: loud music, schedule breaks, or                           unplanned visitors)

     ·        Do not watch violent television shows.