ALZ Alaska Blog

As the sun begins to set earlier and rise later, the residents of Alaska must grapple with the scarcity of light as the winter months set in. The onset of shorter winter days, along with Day Light Savings, can be an adjustment for all Alaskans, but for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, it can accelerate the disorientation that comes with “sundowning” that can last through the darker winter months.

For the 25,000 Alaskan family memebers who serve as unpaid caregivers for the 8,500 loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease, the time change and prolonged hours of darkness can bring with it behavioral changes in the weeks and months ahead.

What is sundowning?

The term sundowning covers a group of symptoms that often occurs in people with dementia. Those symptoms can include anxiety, sadness, restlessness, hallucinations, delusions, sudden mood swings, increased confusion and energy surges. Sundowning generally occurs during the late afternoon and early evening hours, and may be associated with disruption in the sleep and wake cycles, which the Daylight Savings Time change will exacerbate. “While the exact origin of sundowning remains uncertain, families have the means to take proactive measures in alleviating sundowning symptoms in their loved ones,” says Meghan Means, Director of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association, “The more we educate ourselves, the better we can help our loved ones cope with these changes.”

Tips for coping with sundowning

Following are tips that the Alzheimer’s Association offers to caregivers to help them manage sundowning in their loved ones:

• Get plenty of rest so you, the caregiver, are less likely to exhibit unintended nonverbal behavior, which can inadvertently contribute to the stress level of the person living with Alzheimer’s.
• People living with dementia have a very sensitive emotional radar and readily pick up the feelings of those around them. Try to always promote a sense of safety and security.
• Schedule activities, such as doctor appointments, trips and bathing, in the morning or early afternoon when the person living with dementia is more alert.
• Make notes about what happens before sundowning events and try to identify triggers.
• Reduce stimulation during the evening hours (i.e. TV, doing chores, loud music, etc.). These distractions may add to the person’s confusion.
• Offer a larger meal at lunch and keep the evening meal lighter.
• Keep the home well-lit in the evening. Adequate lighting may reduce the person’s confusion.
• Do not physically restrain the person. It can make agitation worse.
• Allow the person to pace back and forth, as needed, under supervision.
• Exercise during the day is a wonderful way for the person to expend their energy. Take a walk together or maybe play some music and clear a space to dance. Taking a walk with the person is also a good way to help reduce his or her restlessness.
• Talk to your physician about the best times of day for taking medication. When behavioral interventions and environmental changes do not work, discuss the situation with your doctor.
• Be sure to take care of yourself. Check out the Alzheimer’s Associations Caregiver Coping Tips and Caregiver Stress Management Tips.

Alzheimer’s disease is among the top 10 leading causes of death of people in the United States. More than 6 million Americans, including are living with the disease, which currently has no prevention or cure. All programs and services of the Alzheimer’s Association are provided to families at no charge, including a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900), staffed by trained professionals. To learn more, go to http://www.alz.org.