Caring for someone who experiences sundowning

Aging In Place, Caregiver Resources, Dementia Care

As a caregiver, you may notice that a person with dementia is consistently “not himself” or “not herself” as the day goes on – especially into the evening when the sun goes down. This is common; it is actually called sundowning although you may have heard this referred to as “Sundowner’s Syndrome” or “Sundowning Syndrome.”

The Alzheimer Society of Canada describes that a person may become more “confused, anxious, aggressive, agitated, or restless” during a period of sundowning. The Alzheimer Society of Canada also states that up to 66% of people living with dementia may experience sundowning. This means that there are many caregivers just like you who are caring for people who experience sundowning.

If you suspect that the person in your care is experiencing sundowning, they should be assessed by a health care professional. It is important to determine if the behaviour is in fact the result of sundowning or if it is due to another health concern such as an infection or pain.

The Alzheimer Society of Canada has many suggestions for dealing with sundowning.

Determining whether the person is experiencing pain, is hungry, or needs to use the washroom.
Providing adequate lighting to minimize shadows when it starts to get dark in the evening
Minimize over-stimulation from the television or radio.
Keep the person busy or distracted during the time that sundowning usually takes place (for example, have them assist with preparing dinner or setting the table).
Maintain an evening routine that is familiar to the person and avoid stressful activities like medical appointments during this time.
Keep a journal. Take notes about each episode of sundowning and the behaviours. Include details about daily events or changes to the person’s routine such as the amount of rest or activity.
Keeping a journal can assist with uncovering patterns and developing strategies that reduce the sundowning behaviour.
Share journal notes with the person’s health care provider(s). It can be especially difficult to recall these details during office visits or appointments.

It is important that you keep yourself on the agenda by taking care of your own health needs and finding strategies to cope with the sundowning behaviour.

Coping strategies include:

Sharing the caregiving duties (with family, friends, or health care professionals)
Maintaining a healthy diet
Getting enough physical activity
Obtaining a restful sleep at night
Reaching out for support or resources in your community
Educating yourself further on sundowning and coping strategies by consulting reputable and reliable sources such as a health care professional or The Alzheimer Society of Canada

For more information on sundowning visit The Alzheimer Society of Canada’s website.