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Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease come with a long list of symptoms that can contribute to mood and behavioral changes. However, if you have a loved one with dementia, you or their senior care provider may start to see signs of sundown syndrome. According to the National Institute of Health, it affects up to 66% of people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Below is an overview of what you should know about it so you can determine the best course of action to take. 

A Guide to Sundown Syndrome 

What Is It? 

Sundown syndrome is described as episodes of agitation, confusion, disorientation, and anxiety that begin occurring in the early evening and often last into the late-night hours. Symptoms can include yelling or aggressive behavior, hallucinations, paranoia, wandering, trouble thinking or speaking, and inability to sleep. The condition may be triggered by end-of-day exhaustion, nighttime shadows, an upset in the internal body clock, and the inability to separate dreams from reality. Sundown syndrome is a concern for family members and senior care providers because it increases the chances of the patient getting injured. 

How to Alleviate Symptoms

senior careWhen a loved one is exhibiting signs of sundown syndrome, there are different steps you or their senior care provider can take to try and calm them down. This involves minimizing noise and clutter, closing the curtains or blinds to eliminate shadows, and providing reassurance that they’re safe. Additionally, you may help limit these episodes by making sure they get exercise during the day to wear them out at night, increase the lights at dusk, restrict sweets and caffeine later in the day, and establish a routine that lets them know when the day is winding down. 

 

If your loved one’s dementia or Alzheimer’s symptoms seem to be getting worse, turn to the senior care providers at West Vue for help making sure they remain safe and secure. This retirement community is the ideal place for aging family members to get the attention and living assistance they need for an improved quality of life. They’ve proudly served elderly citizens throughout Howell County, MO, for more than 40 years and focus on all aspects of the aging process. Call (417) 256-2152 to schedule a tour, or visit them online for more information on the variety of services they offer. 

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