An estimated 1 in 5 individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or some dementia will experience sundown syndrome.
In the previous blog, we gave information about the challenging behaviour regarding Sundown Syndrome and promised to post information about the treatment of this challenging behaviour.
The following information is essential to recap the previous post, and a summary is given on some of the last info.
Summary:
Definition of sundown syndrome:
A theory connects the symptoms of sundowning to a disturbance in the body’s “internal clock”.
The brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s or any dementia sets off permanent confusion between when “I am tired and need to sleep” and “when I am rested and ready for activity”.
Also refers “to a state of confusion occurring in the late afternoon and spanning into the night”.
Symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Aggression or Obstinance
- Emotional outburst
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
- Unusual or increased pacing/wandering
Triggers:
- End-of-day exhaustion.
- Decreased engagement in the evenings.
- Reduced lighting and increased shadows.
- Disruption of the body’s “internal clock”.
Treatment:
- Observe and minimise triggers: Keep surroundings well-lit in the evening. Shadows from reduced lighting can be perceived as threats or unfamiliar figures and can also increase agitation in those with poor eyesight.
- Simplify surroundings.
- Modify the sleep surroundings.
- Adjust light exposure.
- Use essential oils like lavender, rose, chamomile, etc.
- Give a healing touch- never underestimate the value of hand/foot massage to relax tense muscles and increase feel-good hormones.
- Use herbs, supplements, and medications wisely. Be sure to ask about and monitor side effects; for some people living with dementia, drugs can cause the opposite effect.
- Daytime dozing can make it harder to fall asleep at night, try to discourage naps.
- Try to avoid large meals close to bedtime, as well as caffeine or other stimulants. Save larger meals for earlier in the day.
- Loud noises, cluttered environments, unfamiliar visitors, or sounds can cause fear and confusion.
- Track your loved one’s symptoms so you can recognise any patterns.
- Create and maintain a regular evening routine.
For any questions or enquiries, contact ADASA Gauteng, www.adasa.org.za or the National Helpline: 0860 102 681.