Sundowning is something that can happen when your senior parent has Alzheimer’s. When seniors become irritable, confused, agitated, or weepy in the late afternoon they are exhibiting sundowning. Sundowning can also cause seniors to be very sleepy in the late afternoon and then not sleep at night.
It’s thought that sundowning is caused by changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s. But sundowning can also happen if your senior parent is hungry, thirsty, tired, in an unfamiliar place, not getting enough light, or experiencing pain or irritation that they can’t verbalize. Caregivers are usually exhausted by the end of the day. If your mom or dad is starting to experience sundowning and you’re struggling to try and take care of them call today to find out about Alzheimer’s care.
Alzheimer’s care is specialty care designed to meet the unique needs of seniors who have Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s care can give you the break you need and give your mom or dad the extra care they need.
Increased Confusion
Seniors that experience sundowning may exhibit more disorientation or confusion than usual in the late afternoon into the evening. If you notice that your mom or dad becomes confused about where they are, starts to wander, or forget who you are more often later in the day that could be caused by sundowning.
Agitation
Agitation, aggressive behavior, or anger that seems to occur only in the late afternoon could be caused by sundowning. Heightened irritability and frustration, which can manifest as pacing, yelling, or emotional outbursts, is a very common symptom of sundowning. This symptom can be startling or upsetting if your mom or dad is generally very pleasant.
Restlessness
Difficulty sitting still, fidgeting, or wandering around the house aimlessly often occurs when seniors are sundowning. You may need to work harder than usual to redirect your mom or dad and keep them from wandering when they are in a restless state. They may keep insisting that they need to be at an appointment or have other time-sensitive place to be.
Anxiety
Heightened feelings of fear, nervousness, or unease, often without an obvious cause are not unusual in seniors with Alzheimer’s. Anxiety, by itself, doesn’t indicate sundowning. But if the anxiety gets worse late in the day or only occurs late in the day it could be due to sundowning.
Mood Swings
Sundowning can cause very rapid changes in mood, from calm to upset or angry, often without any apparent trigger. If your mom or dad is normally very sweet and kind and they suddenly become angry or belligerent that could be caused by sundowning.
Paranoia
Increased suspicion or distrust of others, sometimes leading to accusations or delusional thinking, is another common symptom of sundowning.
Hallucinations
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, which can be frightening and disorienting for the individual, can happen when a person with Alzheimer’s is sundowning, although it’s not common.
