What Is Sundowning Syndrome?

December 8th, 2016 by John Wilson

If you have a loved one who has recently been diagnosed with dementia, you’re probably receiving an eye-opening fast-track education on the subject. One term you’ll hear eventually, if you haven’t already, is sundowning syndrome. Essentially, this common dementia symptom causes problematic dementia side effects to increase as the sun goes down.

Sundowning Symptoms

Whether your senior loved one resides in assisted living in Oklahoma City, lives independently or lives with you, the signs of sundowning syndrome are unmistakable. Individuals with this syndrome experience some or all of the following symptoms as day turns to evening:

• Paranoia

• Aggression

• Anxiety

• Sadness

• Disorientation

• Anger

• Confusion

• Agitation

Tips for Reducing Sundowning Syndrome Symptoms

There is no cure for dementia. The best approach is to do what you can to provide the best quality of life for a loved one who has this disorder. Nighttime should be peaceful and a prelude to relaxation and restorative sleep. If your loved one seems to have sundowning syndrome, here are some helpful things you can do to reduce the symptoms.

• Keep your loved one on strict dining and bedtime schedules.

• As the day winds to a close, make sure your loved one has eaten, taken any needed pain medications and used the restroom.

• As nighttime approaches, turn on lights to limit shadows. Shadows can scare and confuse dementia patients.

• Encourage your loved one to sit in a rocking chair, which provides relaxing stimulation.

• If your loved one is able, assign him easy jobs as the sun sets, such as folding laundry and putting away dishes. These jobs will keep his or her mind occupied and boost self-esteem.

Tips for Coping with a Loved One with Dementia

Dealing with a loved one with dementia can be taxing. In fact, a dementia diagnosis is often what leads families to begin researching affordable assisted living in Oklahoma City. If you feel exhausted and are tempted to look into Oklahoma assisted living for your aging loved one, do not feel guilty. Pursuing assisted living is not a betrayal. It is a way to ensure your loved one’s need are met. Most individuals, regardless of how well-intentioned they may be, are not physically, emotionally or intellectually equipped to care for a dementia patient. Assisted living in Oklahoma City allows families to remain close to their loved ones while pursuing professional care.

Playing music or taking walks at night, practicing deep breathing, relaxing in a warm bath and commiserating with others going through similar challenges are all coping mechanisms if your loved one has dementia.

If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia or is exhibiting telltale signs, the more you know about dementia, the better able you’ll be to keep him or her safe. Whether your loved one is a Village at Oakwood resident or you are researching Oklahoma assisted living centers equipped to care for dementia patients, consider us a resource. We are happy to answer your questions and provide advice. Please don’t hesitate to contact us!