in MD at 301-363-2580 or VA at 703-556-8983
main-ah-logo-horz-w_gradbox
 
  • Home Care
    • In Home Care
    • Coordination of Care
    • Overnight Caregivers
    • Live-In Care Services
    • 24 Hour Home Care
    • Hiring an Agency vs. Direct Caregiver
    • Plan of Care
  • Services
    • Aging In Place
    • Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
    • Companion Care
    • Disability Care
    • Hospice Care
    • Parkinson’s Care
      • Fall Prevention Video
    • Post-Operative Care
    • Respite Care Services
  • About Us
    • The Assisting Hands Advantage
    • Careers
    • Meet the Team (MD)
    • Meet the Team (VA)
    • Our Caregivers
      • Mindfulness for Caregivers
      • Yoga for Caregivers
    • Useful Links
  • Testimonials
  • News/Blog
    • A MESSAGE FROM ASSISTING HANDS OWNER STEVE LORBERBAUM
    • Blog
    • Video Blogs
    • Read our Newsletter
    • Newletter SignUp
    • Industry Statistics
    • Hospital Readmission Penalties
  • Cities We Serve
    • Maryland
      • Bethesda MD
      • Chevy Chase MD and Surrounding Areas
      • Gaithersburg
      • Germantown MD
      • Kensington MD
      • Olney MD
      • Rockville MD
      • Silver Spring MD
    • Virginia
      • Fairfax VA
      • Falls Church VA
      • Great Falls VA
      • McLean VA
      • Reston VA
      • Vienna VA
      • Northern Fairfax County VA
  • Events
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us in Maryland
    • Contact Us in Virginia

Blog

Home Aging Sundowning – Late Day Confusion in Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Sundowning – Late Day Confusion in Dementia and Alzheimer’s

February 17, 2020Aging, Alzheimer's, Dementiamjefferson

sundowningIf you are a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you may be familiar with the challenges that happen in the late afternoon and early evening. If your loved one becomes agitated, restless, irritable or confused, they are probably experiencing ‘Sundowning’, also known as late day confusion. Sundowning can also continue into the night, making it hard for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia to fall asleep. This leads to sleep deprivation and difficulty functioning during the day, both for your loved one and you.

Why do some Alzheimer’s and dementia patients experience Sundowning? The reasons aren’t clear. However, according to the National Institute on Aging, one possible cause is that Alzheimer’s related brain changes can affect a person’s “biological clock”, leading to sleep and wake cycle confusion. Other issues that can bring about Sundowning include: tiredness, depression, pain, boredom or unmet needs such as hunger and thirst.

If your loved one is experiencing sundowning, here are a few tips to help:

  • Maintain a consistent, predictable routine for waking, eating, bathing and activities.
  • Plan activities that expose your loved one to light during the day to encourage nighttime sleepiness.
  • Limit caffeine and sugar in the afternoon. Do not serve alcoholic drinks.
  • Play gentle, relaxing music in the evening.
  • Limit daytime naps and keep them short and not too late in the day.
  • Close curtains or blinds at dusk to minimize shadows, which may cause confusion. Turn on lights to reduce the agitation that can happen when surroundings are too dark.
  • Try to reduce stimulating activities and noise levels in the evening.
  • Offer familiar items, such as family photos and favorite books, to create a more relaxed atmosphere.

If sundowning continues to be a problem, it’s best to seek medical advice. Sometimes another illness, a medication side effect or sleep disorder can increase the likelihood of sundowning, particularly if it has developed quickly.

Sundowning can be challenging and exhausting for everyone involved. Since it happens at the end of the day, it can be particularly difficult for caregivers who are already tired. It’s essential that caregivers take care of themselves, so they can provide support and patience when challenging situations arise. That’s where Assisting Hands can help.  We offer professional in-home personal care services in Bethesda and surrounding areas. Our caregivers keep your loved one safe and secure when you can’t be with them. Call us at 301-363-2580 and let’s discuss how we can help.

 

Tags: confusion, sundowning
Previous post Creative Engagement: Upcoming Event At Leisure World Next post 7 Secrets to Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy – From the Cleveland Clinic

Related Articles

Dementia Education Program – Helping Those with Dementia

January 30, 2020mjefferson

Sleep Habits, Sundowning and Wandering – Living with Dementia

January 30, 2020mjefferson

logo

assisting hands in Montgomery County, MD

Assisting Hands Home Care provides elder care services and senior in home care services for families across the country.
Maryland License # R3925
Licensed as a Residential Service Agency by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Health Care Quality. Serving Montgomery County, MD: Potomac, North Potomac, Bethesda, North Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Gaithersburg, Olney, Germantown, and beyond

  • (301) 363-2580
  • 4853 Cordell Avenue, Suite PH-10A, Bethesda, MD 20814
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube

Assisting Hands Office in Bethesda, MD

Download Our Brochure

assisting hands in Fairfax County, VA

Assisting Hands Home Care provides elder care services and senior in home care services for families across the country.
Virginia License # HCO-1837
Licensed as a Home Care Organization by the Virginia Department of Health. Serving Northern Fairfax County, VA: Annandale, Dulles, Dunn Loring, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, McLean, Oakton, Oak Hill, Reston, Tysons Corner, Vienna and beyond

  • (703) 556-8983
  • 11890 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 105, Reston, VA 20191
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube

Assisting Hand Office in Reston, VA

Download Our Brochure
Hospital Readmission PenaltiesPrivacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsAccessibility Statement

2016-2020 Assisting Hands Home Care. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED