NCPC

Understanding Sundowners Syndrome

Understanding Sundowners Syndrome

January 27, 2021 | by the National Care Planning Council

If you know or care for someone who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, you may notice regular behavioral changes at certain times of the day. Doctors refer to this as Sundowners Syndrome, 'late-day confusion', or 'sundowning', as symptoms occur late in the afternoon or when the sun sets. Symptoms tend to alleviate by morning. More than 60% of adults who suffer from late-stage Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia experience a certain set of sundowning (neuropsychiatric) symptoms, which include:

The symptoms of Sundowners Syndrome usually intensify as the syndrome progresses. Symptoms can become more regular and severe and might include:

Unfortunately, there is no test available to diagnose Sundowners. Diagnosis is based off appearance and frequency of symptoms. Watch your loved one for symptoms, especially during late afternoon. Record your findings and talk with a doctor about your concerns.

Although there is no cure for Sundowners, several things have shown to help with the symptoms:

It may take some time to find the best way to care for and manage your loved ones needs. There are several different strategies will help you as you care for someone experiencing Sundowners:

Caring for someone with Sundowners Syndrome can be taxing, both emotionally and physically. Remember to practice self-care. Call in help when you need it. Try to find someone your loved one feels comfortable with, other than yourself, so you can take breaks. Take naps during the day as you can. Make an effort to eat healthy and get some exercise. Spend time with friends and seek to keep up on your own hobbies.

Remember there is always help. Consider hiring a home health care service for some scheduled time away, or just reassurance for your care. Memory care and assisted living facilities can also help seniors who experience sundowning.

Join our Council

Join the NCPCSeniors and caregivers search online everyday for eldercare services and frequently find longtermcarelink.net. Each month, we provide online resources to over 40,000 unique visitors. Our site also offers a place for professionals to offer assistance to the public.

Senior Services
from our Members

Long Term CareThe NCPC is dedicated to helping families deal with issues and challenges seniors face. We offer free help locating eldercare and senior services in your area. Some of these services include Care Management, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Funeral Planning, Home Care, Medicaid Planning, Placement, Reverse Mortgage, and Veterans Benefits.

BOOK: "How to Apply for VA Benefits for Recent and Senior Veterans and Their Survivors"

How to Apply for Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits for Veterans and Their SurvivorsThis 2022 edition is a tremendous resource for veterans, their families, and those who assist veterans. There is no other book available that incorporates VA's newest claims procedures with detailed instructions on submitting applications for 25 different types of disability claims including Pension, Aid & Attendance, DIC, Compensation, Burial Benefits, and more.

BOOK: "How to Deal with 21 Critical Issues Facing Aging Seniors"

How to Deal with 21 Critical Issues Facing Aging SeniorsAging seniors and their families are often confounded by the complexity of issues they face (including declining income, increased debt, poor investment returns, declining health, medical crises, complex insurance programs, long term care challenges, etc...). This book (published in 2014) takes a comprehensive approach to address these challenges and provide solutions.

BOOK: "How to Protect Your Family's Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid Secrets"

How to Protect Your Family's Assets from Devastating Nursing Home Costs: Medicaid SecretsThis book, written by attorney Gabriel Heiser in 2020, is a financial and legal guide to the ins and outs of the only government program that will pay for the long term nursing home care of your family member: MEDICAID.

National Care Planning Council