Definition of Sundowner's Syndrome

Sundowner's Syndrome is a condition where people experience dementia, agitation and confusion around the time the sun sets. It is most often seen in people during the beginning stages of Alzheimer's disease. People who suffer from Sundowner's Syndrome are different than "normal" tired people because they are just unable to function in the evening without care from a nurse or a partner.

Identification

• It is believed that Sundowner's Syndrome is the tired brain's reaction to a day full of stimuli that it can no longer handle. Rather than properly compute, the brain goes into overload, causing irritability.

Other Symptoms

• Highly negative thoughts and depression are also symptoms of Sundowner's Syndrome.

Treatment

• Most treatments for Sundowner's Syndrome are meant to address the symptoms. Anti-depressants and sedatives are commonly prescribed. Drugs such as Aricept are used to help with cognitive dysfunction.

Other Treatment

• Encouraging people with Sundowner's to take naps throughout the day and limit most activity to the daytime has also helped reduce symptoms.

Similar Syndrome

• People with hospital psychosis, stress from being confined to a hospital for too long, may exhibit similar symptoms as someone with Sundowner's, but while hospital psychosis can afflict any age, Sundowner's is usually limited to the elderly.