Activities for Seniors With Sundowners

Sundowner's Syndrome is a condition that affects elderly people with dementia or Alzheimer's. It occurs most frequently at sundown but it can happen in the morning hours as well. Symptoms include increased confusion, anger, agitation and memory loss. It often occurs in a hospital or a place that the person is unfamiliar with. Although the precise cause of Sundowner's is not known it is believed that too much activity at the end of the day may trigger it.

Physical Exercise

• If the person is capable of exercising, get him up to walk. This will hopefully get rid of excess energy and allow him to sleep better.

Mental Activities and Socializing

• Engage the individual in mental boosting activities and social activities during the day, explains Warachal Faison, MD, who is involved in Alzheimer's research and clinical programs at the Medical University of South Carolina. Regular physical and mental exercise may be one of the key factors in preventing dementia and the accompanying Sundowner's.

Keeping Busy and Avoiding Naps

• During the day, keep the patient interested or involved in something, whether it is watching TV, listening to music, knitting, playing crossword puzzles or visiting with friends. If the individual is engaged in something he won't be bored and won't nap, which enables him to sleep better when it is time to go to bed, notes Everydayhealth.com.

Turn Down the Volume, Read

• Keep the noise level down because those with Sundowner's are acutely aware of stimuli. Noise can be upsetting and distracting to them. Turn down the volume of the radio or TV or turn them off altogether. Reading to a Sundowner's patient or encouraged him to read to himself, if he is capable, is a calming activity. Family and friends should be instructed to visit during the day rather than late in the evening.