Caregiver Training: Sundowning | UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program

Summary

The script addresses sundowning, a common symptom in dementia patients, causing confusion and agitation around sunset. As the condition progresses, it disrupts sleep patterns. To help, ensure well-lit rooms, create a calm environment, engage in relaxing activities, and limit daytime napping.

Takeaways

• 🌆 'Sundowning' or 'Sundown Syndrome' is a common behavior observed in individuals with dementia, typically occurring around sunset or early evening.
• 😖 Symptoms of sundowning include confusion, anxiety, aggression, agitation, and ignoring directions.
• 🌐 It can also manifest as pacing or wandering, especially in individuals who are tired, anxious, or have pent-up energy.
• 🧠 Dementia progressively damages the brain areas responsible for the internal clock, disrupting sleep and wake cycles.
• 💡 Reduced light in the evening can trigger sundowning, particularly in those who are already tired or anxious.
• 🏠 To help manage sundowning, ensure rooms are well-lit and free from shadows to prevent confusion and fear.
• 🔇 Create a calm environment free of loud noises or disruptions to reduce agitation.
• 📺 Distract your loved one with a relaxing and enjoyable activity to alleviate symptoms.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Provide sufficient daytime activity to keep them engaged but avoid overexertion that could lead to fatigue.
• ⏱ Limit daytime napping to a couple of hours to promote better nighttime sleep.
• 👨‍⚕️ Sundowning is not a disease but a group of symptoms that occur at a specific time of day, and its exact cause is unknown.

Q & A

What is sundowning or sundown syndrome?

Sundowning or sundown syndrome is a common behavioral change in people with dementia that typically occurs around sunset or early evening, characterized by confusion, anxiety, aggression, agitation, or ignoring directions.

What are the common symptoms of sundowning?

Common symptoms of sundowning include confusion, anxiety, aggression, agitation, ignoring directions, pacing, and wandering.

How does dementia contribute to sundowning?

Dementia progresses and damages areas in the brain that regulate the internal clock, disrupting the sleep and wake cycle, which can trigger sundowning, especially in low light conditions.

Why does reduced light in the evening trigger sundowning?

Reduced light in the evening can trigger sundowning, particularly in individuals who are already tired, anxious, or have pent-up energy from a boring day.

How can changing the environment help with sundowning?

Ensuring rooms are well-lit and free from shadows, closing curtains, and adjusting lighting can help prevent confusion, fear, and agitation in individuals experiencing sundowning.

What is the role of a calm environment in managing sundowning?

A calm environment free of loud noises or disruptions can be beneficial in managing sundowning by providing a soothing atmosphere for the individual.

How can engaging in relaxing activities help during sundowning?

Distracting the loved one with relaxing and enjoyable activities can help alleviate symptoms of sundowning by providing a calming distraction.

Why is it important to provide enough daytime activity for someone with dementia?

Providing enough daytime activity can help manage sundowning by preventing restlessness and agitation, but it should not be so much that it leads to fatigue.

What is the recommended limit for daytime napping for individuals with dementia?

It is recommended to limit daytime napping to a couple of hours to help manage sundowning symptoms.

Is sundowning a disease or a symptom?

Sundowning is not a disease but rather a group of symptoms that occur at a specific time of the day.

What can family members do to help their loved ones with dementia during sundowning?

Family members can help by creating a well-lit and calm environment, being patient, providing distractions through enjoyable activities, and ensuring adequate but not excessive daytime activity.