Day and Night with Dementia: How to Deal with Sundowning
By Fiona Sembiring | December 4, 2023
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that impacts 1 in 10 people over the age of 65. Dementia, on the other hand, is often confused for Alzheimer’s disease, but it is actually a term used for the collection of abnormal symptoms that affect a person’s thinking, functioning, and interaction with others. People with dementia may be irritated or annoyed by new things, can have trouble focusing, have trouble remembering, and have difficulty using proper judgment. Although dementia is not a disease, dementia can be brought on by a disease or medical condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple strokes, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Alzheimer’s and dementia are not only hard on the individual but also the family members they impact. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but family members can take action by educating themselves on how to better take care of their loved ones.
For individuals with dementia, the transition to evening can be difficult and confusing. This confusion of day to night is called sundowning. Sundowning can cause anxiety, agitation, and aggression in people with dementia. Shadows can be a primary source of confusion, so family members can help limit this day or night confusion by providing adequate lighting throughout the day. In this article, we’ve provided some additional tips on how to ease the transition from morning to night.
Morning - Getting Ready for the Day
Remember that bath time should be relaxing
Play calming music or try aromatherapy
Make sure that the water is an appropriate temperature
Let your loved one feel the water before getting in
Avoid mirrors if your loved one can no longer recognize themself
Use the same location every day for getting dressed
Keep things simple by offering only a few daytime clothing choices
Avoid long clothes that might drag and become a fall hazard
Night - Getting Ready for Sleep
Limit sugar and caffeine late in the day
Increase physical activity during the day
Keep evening activities quiet and calm
Play soft music or try aromatherapy
Close blinds and drapes well before sunset
Turn on lights well before sunset
Use the same location every day for getting undressed
Keep things simple by offering only a few nighttime clothing choices
Keep the bedroom lit with a night light
Clear pathways for bathroom trips at night
At Samaritan Senior Care, we believe in providing transparent and personalized support to help you navigate the difficulties of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting you every step of the way, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the necessary standard and quality of care involved.
For more information and personalized guidance on in-home care services, reach out to Samaritan Senior Care today. Our experts are here to address your concerns and provide you with the necessary information to make well-informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of your loved ones.
All content and information on our website is created for informational purposes only. The information presented does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult an appropriate professional for advice related to your specific situation.
