![]() But sometimes, this confusion gets worse very quickly, over a matter of hours or days. It’s normal for people with Alzheimer’s disease to feel more confused as time passes. The main difference between this and delirium is that delirium happens suddenly and comes and goes throughout the day. They can let you know if your loved one is walking around. Use a gate to block the stairs, and put away anything dangerous, like kitchen tools.Īlso, consider getting a baby monitor, motion detectors, or door sensors. Keep them safe with night-lights and locks on doors or windows.Just stay close by to keep an eye on them. If they need to get up and move around or pace, don’t try to hold them back.Ask your loved one if they need something.For example, if you think loud TV shows or too much activity could be the cause, try to cut down on these activities at night. If your loved one is increasingly confused, anxious, or agitated during the evening, try to figure out the causes and then make a plan to stay away from or stop these things. Turn loud, distracting noises, such as phones, stereos, or TVs, down or off.Make sure their sleeping area is comfortable and safe.Put on relaxing music, read, play cards, or go for a walk to wind down.Tell other family members or visitors not to make too much noise.Fix the room temperature so they're comfortable.Darkness and shadows can make them more upset. Close curtains and blinds and turn on lights.If they absolutely need to nap, try to keep it brief and early in the day. Avoid letting your loved one nap or exercise later than 4 hours before bedtime.Make a big lunch, and keep their evening meal smaller and simple.Give them sweets and caffeine only in the morning. Offer healthy food and drink later in the day.Don’t let your loved one smoke or drink alcohol.Try to schedule their appointments, outings, visits, and bath time in the earlier part of the day, when they are likely to feel their best. Help them get regular exercise, such as walking, in the early part of the day. Set regular times for waking up, meals, and going to sleep. Note the things that seem to trigger it, and then do your best to avoid or limit those triggers. Try to be aware of how you manage those emotions if you think that might make a difference. It’s normal for you, as a caregiver, to have feelings like that. If you feel tired or frustrated at the end of a day of caregiving, your loved one may notice, even without you saying anything. Trouble separating dreams from reality.Less light and more shadows in the house.What happens around someone can also set off sundowning symptoms. ![]() It may be more likely if your loved one is: Some scientists think that changes in the brain of someone with dementia might affect their inner “body clock.” The area of the brain that signals when you’re awake or asleep breaks down in people with Alzheimer’s. Causesĭoctors aren’t sure why sundowning happens. But it can also happen to older people who don’t have dementia. Up to 1 out of 5 people with Alzheimer’s get sundown syndrome. Let your loved one’s doctor know what changes you have seen, too. The symptoms can get worse as the night goes on and usually get better by morning.Īlthough you may not be able to stop it completely, you can take steps to help manage this challenging time of day so you both sleep better and are less tired during the day.
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