|  | Conditions Treatments | Alzheimers

Activities for the Sundowning Patient

According to Clinical Geriatrics, the word sundowning is more of a descriptive term than an actual diagnosis. Sundowning describes the tendency of people with Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments to become confused, agitated and even combative during the evening hours. If the agitation is severe, or if the sundowning person becomes a danger to self or others, medications may be needed to control the symptoms. Otherwise, there are several activities that may help calm and relax the person.

  1. Repetitive Activities

    • Many people with cognitive impairments enjoy the routine of repetitive activities such as folding clothes, cleaning silverware and stacking papers. To avoid injury and fire hazards, make sure that the repetitive activity does not take place near a stove, open flame or hot water.

    Following Old Routines

    • Think about what your loved one used to enjoy doing in the evenings. Perhaps he watched the evening news, read a newspaper, prepared dinner or spent some time in his workshop. Keeping safety in mind, attempt to mimic these activities. For instance, you could have your loved one help you with the evening meal or give him a screwdriver and an old piece of furniture to take apart.

    Walking or Pacing

    • Many people with cognitive impairments calm themselves by walking, wandering or pacing. Set aside a portion of your house, such as the basement, that is childproof, and allow your loved one to walk off excess energy. You might also suggest going for a walk or a drive together in the evenings. Again, keep safety in mind at all times. Do not let your loved one wander outside unattended or she may get lost and be unable to find her way back home.

    Telephone Calls

    • You may be able to calm your loved one by allowing him to talk to out-of-town relatives or friends on the phone. Be sure to tell your loved one whom he is talking to ("This is your sister, Nora, who lives in Columbus"), and be ready to take the phone back if your loved one grows frustrated or confused during the conversation. Many people with dementia love being around small children, so if there is a young grandchild who would be willing to talk to your loved one on the phone, so much the better.

    Relaxation Activities

    • Encourage your loved one to watch a favorite television program, listen to much-loved music, or even look out the window and talk about what she sees. Most people with dementia do not enjoy baths, but your loved one might like to receive a gentle massage of the neck and shoulders or have her hair brushed. You might also try reading aloud to your loved one from a favorite book or singing songs you used to sing together when you were younger.

Alzheimers - Related Articles