What Is Sundowning?

Sundowning is a term associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The term refers to patients who are unable to cope and deal with experiences and stimulus later in the day. Patients experiencing symptoms of sundowning display increased agitation and restlessness, a greater level of delirium and an increase in negative and difficult behaviors during evening and nighttime hours.

Sundowning

• In some patients, the anxiety associated with sundowning is completely absent during early parts of the day. The cause of this condition is unknown, but some doctors speculate that it is associated with decreasing light levels during the day. The condition derives its name from the time of day when patients' symptoms and behaviors begin to worsen.

Routine

• Sundowning happens late in the day and early evening, so the patient's routine shouldn't be changed during that time. Do outings and changes from normal schedules earlier in the day.

Treating Sundowning

• There are several things to try to reduce anxiety. Try to keep patients well rested, limit the amount of external stimulus, and keep their routines and activities simple. It is important to try to identify what makes the patient better, or what activities exacerbate the problem. Try to keep changes to a minimum. There isn't a cure for sundowning, but keeping the patient calm and comfortable is a big help.