Sundowning Syndrome Among the Elderly - More Than Just Depression
Sundowning (also referred to as sundowners syndrome) is not a disease, but rather a group of symptoms.
Though it is sometimes mistaken for depression, which is common among the elderly, there are many symptoms of sundowning.
Some of the common signs include:
The exact cause of sundowning is not known, but there are a number of factors that likely play a role, such as: Fatigue.
The wear and tear of the day can be physically and mentally exhausting by the time the sun is starting to set.
This doesn't just apply to the elderly but also to their caregivers, who may be tiring and unknowingly displaying nonverbal cues of frustration that someone with Alzheimer's or dementia will read and react to.
Reduced Light.
As the sun's natural, bright light fades, vision becomes even more challenging for elderly loved ones, who often already struggle with impaired vision.
Diminished lighting and increased shadows may also cause seniors with dementia to misinterpret what they see and become confused and afraid.
Disturbances to the "biological clock.
" Some scientists believe that dementia alters the part of the brain that monitors the need for sleep and controls when to sleep and wake.
This may make it difficult to separate dreams from reality.
Increased activity.
There may be a lot going on around sundown.
At senior living facilities, this is when shift changes occur.
The fervor of people coming and going may be unsettling for some.
Knowing these possible triggers has helped develop ways for caregivers to better manage sundowning.
The key is identifying the cause of the change in behavior.
Helpful tips for managing sundowning include: Maintain a routine.
Stick to a consistent schedule for waking up, eating and going to sleep.
Plan activities during the day.
Schedule appointments and outings during the day, when the elder feels best and can enjoy exposure to the sun.
This will also help them sleep at night.
Limit distractions.
Reduce loud noises and stimulating activities such as TV.
Diet.
Avoid caffeine and sugar (or limit them to early in the day).
Improve lighting.
Make sure that rooms are well lit to avoid a dark and unfamiliar environment.
Build familiarity.
Create a relaxed setting through photographs and familiar items.
Use gentle distractions, like softly playing a favorite album, when the sundowning typically occurs.
Remember that your elderly loved one is not choosing to act the way that they are.
A calm, helpful demeanor from their caregiver can make a big difference.
Home care companies can be very helpful.
They provide respite for exhausted and overwhelmed family caregivers.
A good company will also have experience and expertise in handling varying sundowning symptoms.
Though it is sometimes mistaken for depression, which is common among the elderly, there are many symptoms of sundowning.
Some of the common signs include:
- Rapid mood changes
- Increased confusion and anxiety
- Increased agitation or irritability
- Increased hostility, uncooperativeness or aggression
- Crying, depression or fear
- Severe cases can lead to pacing, hiding things, wandering, hallucinations and paranoia
The exact cause of sundowning is not known, but there are a number of factors that likely play a role, such as: Fatigue.
The wear and tear of the day can be physically and mentally exhausting by the time the sun is starting to set.
This doesn't just apply to the elderly but also to their caregivers, who may be tiring and unknowingly displaying nonverbal cues of frustration that someone with Alzheimer's or dementia will read and react to.
Reduced Light.
As the sun's natural, bright light fades, vision becomes even more challenging for elderly loved ones, who often already struggle with impaired vision.
Diminished lighting and increased shadows may also cause seniors with dementia to misinterpret what they see and become confused and afraid.
Disturbances to the "biological clock.
" Some scientists believe that dementia alters the part of the brain that monitors the need for sleep and controls when to sleep and wake.
This may make it difficult to separate dreams from reality.
Increased activity.
There may be a lot going on around sundown.
At senior living facilities, this is when shift changes occur.
The fervor of people coming and going may be unsettling for some.
Knowing these possible triggers has helped develop ways for caregivers to better manage sundowning.
The key is identifying the cause of the change in behavior.
Helpful tips for managing sundowning include: Maintain a routine.
Stick to a consistent schedule for waking up, eating and going to sleep.
Plan activities during the day.
Schedule appointments and outings during the day, when the elder feels best and can enjoy exposure to the sun.
This will also help them sleep at night.
Limit distractions.
Reduce loud noises and stimulating activities such as TV.
Diet.
Avoid caffeine and sugar (or limit them to early in the day).
Improve lighting.
Make sure that rooms are well lit to avoid a dark and unfamiliar environment.
Build familiarity.
Create a relaxed setting through photographs and familiar items.
Use gentle distractions, like softly playing a favorite album, when the sundowning typically occurs.
Remember that your elderly loved one is not choosing to act the way that they are.
A calm, helpful demeanor from their caregiver can make a big difference.
Home care companies can be very helpful.
They provide respite for exhausted and overwhelmed family caregivers.
A good company will also have experience and expertise in handling varying sundowning symptoms.
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