As fall comes in full swing, the days are getting shorter. Shorter days can cause several problems for older adults, such as seasonal depression. But for those living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s shorter days can mean more detrimental sundown syndrome. This article will discuss the effects of shortened days on those coping with sundowning.
What is Sundowning?
Sundowning is a term for increased confusion and aggression during the late day and night. It occurs in people with memory-loss conditions. Those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia are especially known for this condition. While the exact cause of sundowning is not known, most experts agree that it can be affected by circadian rhythm and changes in daylight hours.
Sundowning in the Fall and Winter Months
As days get shorter, sundowning symptoms can get worse. They last longer and occur earlier in the day. As we turn back the clocks, symptoms can worsen further. Daylight Savings can negatively impact circadian rhythm and sleep patterns. For some, even more severe symptoms tend to occur in the late fall and winter. This can include hallucinations, wandering, paranoia, and more violent behaviors.
Minimizing Symptoms of Sundowner Syndrome
One of the easiest ways to minimize sundowning symptoms is to ensure that your loved one’s home is well-lit before sundown. Turning lights on earlier can be beneficial to reducing this period of the day. If possible, try adjusting your loved one’s schedule along with daylight savings time to minimize its impact on their well-being. Mood music, light therapy, and other treatments have seen success in some individuals. Overall, trial and error is best to find out what techniques can help your loved one the most.
SAD and Sundowning
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), otherwise known as seasonal depression can also affect your loved one during the darker months. Light therapy is an effective treatment for SAD and Sundowning. Tackling both together can be an important way to improve your loved one’s quality of life during fall and winter.
Talk with your Loved One’s Doctor
Your loved one’s doctor may be able to provide you with tips to help your loved one manage sundowning symptoms through the colder months. They may also prescribe some medications or recommend supplements to help.
In-Home Care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
As your loved one’s condition continues to advance, they will have a harder time living on their own. As a result, many families choose to hire care assistance for their loved ones. In-home care assistance is a great way to avoid the confusion that moving a dementia patient can cause. Keeping your loved one in a familiar environment can help reduce confusion and anxiety. While it may not be a permanent solution for everyone living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, in-home care is a good transitional step before more round-the-clock assistance is required.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
