What Do I Need To Know About “Sundowning?”
The term “sundowning” relates to the tendency of those with Alzheimer’s to experience increasing levels of confusion as the day progresses. While the physiological cause of this phenomenon is not yet understood, there are some external cues that are believed to elicit the symptoms of “sundowning.” These cues involve fatigue, low lighting, and the resulting change in shadows throughout the home as the day progresses. As these environmental changes take place throughout the course of the day, the individual with Alzheimer’s experiences an increasing level of confusion. Sundowning is a rather predictable phenomenon in that it tends to surface around the same time every day. It is because of this predictability that both the individual with the disease and their caregiver can take proactive steps to counteract “sundowning.”
To address the most manageable component of sundowning, consider combating fatigue by encouraging short naps in the afternoon or creating a “quiet time” that can be used for relaxation. This can be a valuable time for both the loved one and the caregiver to step back from the morning’s events and recuperate. Consider ambient elements that might promote relaxation. Your loved one will need to be in a comfortable place, like a bed or a favorite recliner. You might play soothing music, create a source of white noise by turning on a fan or a water fountain, light a candle with a mild fragrance, and dim the lights for your loved one. (It may also be wise to alert your loved one to the impending changes in their environment so they do not become alarmed when they notice the dimmed lights.) In this spa-like environment, you might also take the opportunity to give your loved one a soothing hand massage with warm lotion. If you are currently receiving assistance from a volunteer or a secondary care giver, this might be the ideal time to enlist their help so that you can also take advantage of this period of relaxation.
After quiet time is over, make sure that your home environment remains brightly lit for the rest of the day. The goal is to minimize dark shadows that contribute to your loved ones confusion. If your loved one is visiting an unfamiliar place, like a hospital or a relative’s home, pack things that are familiar to them. Bring their nightlights, their favorite pillow or quilt, their radio, or another comfort item that they will be able to identify with.
If sundowning begins despite these measures, try to keep your loved one occupied with another task. If your loved one is actively engaged in a meaningful activity, such as a hobby, this can help to distract them from the setting of the sun.
For more information on Alzheimer’s, or any of your other Denver elder law questions, click here to view our Wills and Trusts 101 seminar or call 303-758-0680 to get in touch with one of our Colorado estate planning attorneys.
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