Alzheimer's Disease and Sundowning

How to Manage Late-Day Agitation and Confusion

Sundowning is a phenomenon unique to Alzheimer's disease where the person becomes more confused and agitated in the late afternoon and early evening. Several theories have been proposed about why sundowning occurs, such as increased confusion due to darkness and shadows, fatigue, and a reduced ability to tolerate stressful situations. The best way to approach sundowning is to make late afternoons and evenings as simple and relaxing as possible. Reduce distractions or unscheduled activities, and keep rooms well-lit until bedtime.

_Sources:

Behaviors: What causes dementia-related behavior like aggression, and how to respond. Alzheimer's Association. 2005. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_behaviors.pdf

Mace, N. L., & Rabins, P. V. (2006). The 36-hour day: A family guide to caring for people with Alzheimer's disease, other dementias, and memory loss in later life (4th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.