Sundowner's Syndrome

For seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, the time change each fall may exacerbate symptoms of sundowning. Less daylight and modifications to one’s daily routine often bring added emotional, behavioral and cognitive difficulties.

Sundowning can happen with dementia patients year-round, but during autumn and winter, the effects can be magnified due to shorter, darker days. Be aware of the causes of and treatments for this dementia-related behavior.

Sundowning, also known as late day confusion, causes an increase in challenging behaviors in the early evening hours. Read experienced dementia caregivers’ tips and advice for devising a routine that minimizes sundowning behaviors.

Sundown syndrome in dementia describes behavioral changes, such as anxiety, confusion, and restlessness, that typically occur as the sun begins to set.

Sleep issues are a symptom of many types of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Learn how dementia affects the sleep cycle and find techniques to improve sleep.

There's a common misconception that the primary indicator of dementia is memory loss. The reality is that different forms of dementia have different signs. Learn which signs commonly correspond with each type of dementia.

Many families are committed to caring for Alzheimer’s patients at home for as long as possible. Incorporate these tips and strategies into your daily routine to ensure a safe and successful in-home care experience.

The only certainty when diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is that a senior’s condition will progressively worsen. The national Alzheimer’s Association has developed a very useful staging system to use as a frame of reference when coping with AD.

We’ve compiled experienced dementia caregivers’ insights on dealing with sundowning behaviors that occur at other times of day, also known as “sunrising.”

Read experienced caregivers’ best suggestions for using medications to help minimize the anxiety, hallucinations, and aggressive behaviors caused by sundowning.

My father recently began to display signs of Sundowners Syndrome. Here's how mom and I handle sundowning with dad.

People with dementia tend to sleep frequently throughout the day and night, and time spent sleeping increases as dementia progresses.

During middle-stage dementia, people may experience more memory loss and changes in behavior, meaning they need more assistance with activities of daily living.

In Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, clinging and following behavior is often referred to as “shadowing.” Learn how to prevent this exhausting symptom from interfering with your caregiving tasks and precious respite time.

Fall and winter can bring on unexplained fatigue and irritability in both caregivers and seniors. Bright light therapy is a drug-free treatment that helps regulate sleep/wake cycles, stabilize mood and minimize the symptoms of sundowning.

A unique night care program helps dementia caregivers get a much-needed break from caring for a sundowning senior. Discover how night care helps families cope with sundowning.

Antipsychotics can help manage symptoms of agitation, aggression and anxiety in people with Alzheimer's disease, but these drugs carry safety concerns that caregivers need to be aware of.

Changes to the brain can cause sleep problems in elderly adults with dementia, and sleep loss can further worsen dementia symptoms.