Evening hours can cause greater agitation, disorientation, and restlessness in some people with Alzheimer’s or other kinds of dementia. This strange evening behavior is commonly known as “sundowning” or “sundown syndrome.” And it usually occurs when the light diminishes in the late afternoon and early evening.
As many as 66 percent of Alzheimer’s patients may experience sundowning. Caring for or living with someone who has sundowning syndrome can be challenging.
Fortunately, here are some steps that our caregivers who deliver non-medical home care in Nebraska share to help reduce the risks that may contribute to sundowning:
- Plan activities and light exposure during the day to promote tiredness at night.
- Restrict caffeine and sugar consumption to the morning hours.
- Make an effort to stick to a consistent routine for bedtime, waking, meals, and activities.
- Limit naps during the day.
Consult a doctor if sundowning continues to be an issue. A medical examination may reveal the underlying reason for sundowning, such as pain, a sleep disorder or other sickness, or a pharmaceutical side effect.
Memory loss causes the world to seem in a new light for those who are afflicted with this illness. A few simple changes can have a big impact on your loved one’s behavior during the evening.
For the best home health care services in Omaha, Nebraska, families have trusted Livathome since 2013. We serve people of all ages who are experiencing challenges in their day-to-day lives due to aging, physical limitation, rehabilitation, or recent surgery.
To learn more about the healthcare services we offer, feel free to contact us today!