More than 7 million Americans are currently living with dementia based on recent reports from the medical sector. That figure could double within the next few decades. This condition inevitably gets worse over time, often presenting new and increasingly disturbing symptoms as it progresses. Though it doesn’t affect everyone exactly the same way, it does cause a range of common cognitive, mental, emotional, behavioral, and physical effects.
Sundowning syndrome is prevalent in dementia patients. It usually arises during the mid to late stages of the condition, and it’s certainly a challenge for both patients and their caregivers. If you’re taking care of a loved one who’s living with dementia, understanding sundowning symptoms, what causes them, and how to mitigate them is essential.
What Is Sundowning?
Sundowning is a set of symptoms many dementia patients experience. It manifests as changes in behavior late in the day or at night after the sun goes down. As is the case with other symptoms of dementia, the severity of sundowning syndrome may vary from one day to the next. It tends to get worse and more consistent as dementia progresses, though.
What Are the Symptoms of Sundowning Syndrome?
Sundowning syndrome comes with an array of symptoms. One of the most common is restlessness. Those who suffer from it often find it difficult to relax later in the day. They may repetitively get up and sit down, pace back and forth, or roam around listlessly. Late-day agitation is another effect of sundowning syndrome. Dementia patients may become more irritable in the evenings and at nighttime. Some have emotional outbursts or become aggressive.
Those who experience sundowning sometimes become clingy and follow their caregivers around in the evenings. Their anxiety levels may also increase at night. They often experience heightened confusion as well, forgetting where they are and having trouble recognizing the people they’re with. Additionally, sundowning syndrome can cause insomnia and hallucinations. In many cases, patients who experience sundowning wander away at night, which can be particularly dangerous.
What Causes Sundowning Syndrome?
Overall, sundowning syndrome is believed to stem from disruptions in circadian rhythms that are common among dementia patients. The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock that regulates our sleep-wake patterns. It also regulates the release of certain hormones and affects our mental state, behavior, and cognitive function along with several other elements.
Certain circumstances can exacerbate sundowning syndrome. One is not getting enough sunlight. Earth’s natural light and dark cycles help keep our circadian rhythms on track. If a dementia patient doesn’t get enough exposure to natural light, their mind and body is likely to have trouble determining when it’s day or night. That, in turn, interferes with their sleep-wake cycle and can cause excessive confusion, agitation, and other symptoms.
Not having a structured routine can trigger sundowning as well. In addition to light cycles, our circadian rhythms take their cues from everyday activities, like eating bathing, exercising, running errands, and even watching our favorite television shows that air at specific times. Without a set routine, our minds and bodies have trouble staying regulated. That’s particularly prominent in people with dementia. Problems like pain, discomfort, and excessive chaos late in the day can worsen the effects of sundowning syndrome as well.
Mitigating the Effects of Sundowning Syndrome
Sundowning syndrome is common among dementia patients. Certain measures can mitigate its effects. Those include creating a structured routine for your loved one, spending time outdoors, ensuring they get proper nutrition, and managing their pain as effectively as possible. Above all else, be patient with your loved one, and try to create a calm, quiet environment for them in the evenings to help them feel relaxed and secure.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
