What Stage of Dementia Is Sundowning? Understanding the Symptoms

More than 55 million people globally are living with dementia, according to the World Health Organization. This staggering number highlights the growing need for understanding the dementia stages and symptoms. One symptom families and caregivers often encounter is sundowning.

If you're wondering what stage of dementia is sundowning, continue reading to gain insights into its occurrence, causes, and strategies for effective management.

What Is Sundowning?

Sundowning is a specific pattern of increased agitation, confusion, or restlessness in the evening or late afternoon. It's common in individuals with dementia and can make caregiving more challenging. Recognizing the signs of sundowning is essential to providing compassionate and effective care, ensuring a more supportive and manageable environment for your loved one.

You can make a difference in their lives by understanding its causes and implementing practical strategies.

When Does Sundowning Typically Appear?

Understanding the dementia stages and symptoms helps pinpoint when sundowning is most likely to develop. Sundowning generally begins in the middle stage of dementia but can persist into later stages.

During these phases, memory loss and cognitive decline become more noticeable. Behavioral symptoms like sundowning often accompany it.

Recognizing these changes early allows caregivers to implement effective strategies that minimize distress and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with dementia.

Common symptoms of sundowning include:

Increased confusion or disorientation as daylight fades
Agitation or irritability in the evening
Pacing or wandering behaviors
Difficulty settling down for sleep
Emotional outbursts or anxiety

Why Does Sundowning Occur?

The exact causes of sundowning are not fully understood. However, several factors contribute to this behavior.

Disrupted Internal Body Clock

Dementia affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. This leads to confusion and restlessness as the day progresses.

Alterations in the brain's functioning make it harder for individuals to distinguish between day and night, causing a breakdown in natural rhythms.

Fatigue

Prolonged cognitive and physical activity can exhaust the individual, making it harder to cope with stimuli. Mental exhaustion can lead to heightened frustration and an inability to process surroundings.

Environmental Changes

Shadows, dim lighting, and changes in the environment during evening hours can create a sense of disorientation and anxiety. The transition from daylight to evening can exacerbate confusion, particularly in unfamiliar settings.

Hunger or Thirst

Unmet basic needs, such as an empty stomach or dehydration, can heighten feelings of irritability and discomfort. Ensuring regular meals and hydration throughout the day can help mitigate these effects.

Reduced Sensory Input

Lower levels of light and activity in the evening can decrease stimulation, leading to feelings of isolation or agitation. A lack of engaging stimuli can make individuals feel disconnected, amplifying restlessness and agitation.

Managing Sundowning Behavior

Caregivers can employ effective strategies to reduce the intensity and frequency of sundowning episodes. Below are practical steps for managing sundowning behavior.

Establish a Routine

Consistent daily schedules provide structure and reduce confusion by giving individuals with dementia a sense of predictability and comfort. Regular activities at the same time each day can help them feel more secure and less anxious. Morning rituals, scheduled meals, and predictable bedtime routines can significantly ease their day.

Maximize Daylight Exposure

Open curtains or take the individual outdoors during the day to encourage natural light exposure. This can improve their sleep-wake cycle by promoting alertness during daylight hours and restfulness at night. Outdoor walks or sitting in sunlight for short periods can enhance their mood and reduce symptoms of disorientation.

Create a Calming Environment

Keep the evening atmosphere peaceful by dimming lights, minimizing noise, and reducing disruptions. Soft lighting and soothing activities can ease agitation. Using aromatherapy with calming scents like lavender can also provide additional relaxation.

Provide Engaging Daytime Activities

Incorporate physical activities like walking or stretching and mental exercises like puzzles or storytelling during the day. These can stimulate the mind and body, helping to alleviate restlessness and promote better sleep.

Activities should be enjoyable and tailored to the individual's preferences and abilities to keep them engaged.

Monitor Diet

Be sure meals are balanced and served at regular intervals. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and sugar later in the day. Consider offering light snacks or warm drinks in the evening to help them feel comfortable and relaxed.

Hydration is equally important. Ensure water or herbal teas are available throughout the day.

Professional Support and Memory Care

For families navigating the challenges of dementia, professional memory care services offer invaluable support. Communities like Addington Place of Lee's Summit specialize in providing compassionate care tailored to individuals with dementia. Our holistic approach includes personalized care plans, enriching activities, and a safe, nurturing environment.

How to Support Sundowning in Dementia Patients

Providing care for someone experiencing sundowning requires patience and understanding. Below are additional Alzheimer's care tips and memory care support strategies:

Acknowledge their emotions: Validate feelings of confusion or frustration without arguing or correcting
Use visual cues: Clearly label rooms or use nightlights to reduce disorientation
Offer reassurance: A calming voice and comforting presence can help soothe anxiety
Seek guidance from professionals: Memory care teams can offer specialized advice tailored to your loved one's needs

What to Avoid When Managing Sundowning

Understanding what to avoid is just as crucial as knowing what to implement. Avoiding common pitfalls can help create a smoother caregiving experience and reduce unnecessary stress for the individual and the caregiver.

Overstimulating environments: Loud noises and clutter can worsen agitation
Inconsistent schedules: Changes in routine may increase anxiety
Harsh lighting: Bright or flickering lights can cause discomfort and confusion

The Importance of a Supportive Community

Choosing a memory care community ensures access to expert guidance and tailored care plans. At Addington Place of Lee's Summit, trained caregivers focus on creating an enriching and supportive environment. Families gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones receive the attention they need.