Sundowning is not something that a person with dementia may notice in themselves, Krowel noted. Rather, it is typically caregivers who pick up on the change in their loved one’s behavior and mental state. It can happen at any stage of dementia, though it “tends to peak in the middle stages of dementia and lessens as the disease progresses,” according to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Why does sundowning happen in dementia?
What are the signs of sundowning?
Delirium may mean the person is going through a condition that is critical and in some cases, life-threatening, so being able to identify its root cause is essential. “Disorientation in delirium [may mean] the patient is in a critical condition. It could be a bad infection, sepsis, a severe and sudden spike in blood pressure, very high blood sugar, or a manifestation of stroke in patients who are older,” Diaz said.
Lack of routines and changing the environment.
Certain types of medications and timing of medications.
Overstimulating environments, especially in the late afternoon.
Lack of exposure to sunlight during the daytime.
Instead, he advised calmly redirecting the person. “When the person becomes agitated or disoriented, say ‘You are in: [insert name of where they are]. This is what we are doing: [insert explanation of what is happening].’ This reassures the person and explains in that moment what is going on, which helps you avoid the cycle of the person becoming disoriented, anxious and agitated.”…Read more by Seraphina Seow