Important Information on Sundowning

Seniors and Alzheimers  |  August 20, 2024

What Every Senior in North Vancouver and West Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Alzheimer’s and Sundowning

Sundowning | As we grow older, our bodies and minds may not operate at the same speed & efficiency as they once did. The decline of mobility and health as we age is inevitable, but the effects can be minimized if we prioritize our physical and mental well-being.

The risk of contracting memory loss diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia is also increased as we age. Still, in some cases, the symptoms are only aggravated when the sun begins to set and nighttime approaches.

Sundowning is a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease & dementia and results in aggressiveness, confusion, or irascibility. 

Potential Causes of Sundowning

Scientifically, the reasons behind sundowning are not clear. However, research has determined that it is common in those with early-onset dementia. One hypothesis concludes that the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s can skew an individual’s circadian rhythm, which may result in convoluted sleep cycles. Other potential reasons that someone experiences sundowning symptoms may include:

• Excessive fatigue
• Excessive thirst and hunger
• Chronic depression
• Extreme pain
• Constant boredom and lethargy

How to Detect Sundowning

If you believe a loved one may be experiencing sundowning symptoms, be mindful in the evening when the sun is beginning to set – certain signs such as increased anxiety or bewilderment could be indicative of sundowning. Around this time of day, a loved one with sundowning symptoms may abruptly become angry or flustered – remain patient, and understanding and reassure them that everything will be okay. 

Coping with Sundowning:

• Limit the amount of noise, light, and activity in the room. If there are a lot of people in the room, kindly ask them to leave; a heavily populated room can perpetuate symptoms of sundowning.
• Attempt to occupy your loved ones with their favourite foods or treats, and you may also want to try to occupy their mind by breaking out their favourite board game or movie.
• Implement a quiet rule in the evening time- instead of turning on the TV and playing loud music, utilize dim lights, help them pick out a book to read, or go for a walk with them.
• Shut the curtains before the sun sets to prevent shadows from confusing your loved one.

How to Prevent Sundowning

You can assist your loved one by enacting preventative measures to ensure their symptoms are lessened.

• Help your loved one go outside, especially in the daylight- daily exposure to sunlight can help fix their circadian rhythm.
• Ensure your loved one gets a decent dose of physical exercise (i.e. walking, jogging, swimming, etc.)
• If your loved one must nap throughout the day, ensure the naps are short (1-1.5 hours maximum)
• Ensure they’re not drinking any alcohol or caffeinated beverages 4-5 hours before bed
• Keep activities light throughout the daytime – a day that is full of events may tire your loved one and add to the confusion.

Comfort Keepers® North Vancouver and West Vancouver Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care Services!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care. Our senior care agency offers dementia care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® is a Senior Care Agency That Can Make a Difference with Interactive Caregiving™

Our expert in-home caregivers will strive to ensure your senior loved one has the best quality of life possible, bringing joy and good health to their home environment. Our Interactive Caregiving™ program ensures all needs in terms of safety, nutrition, mental well-being, and everyday activities of home care services are met.

Quality and Accredited Elderly Care In-Home: Happier, Healthier, and at Home with 24/7 Care Opportunities!

Have you been thinking about Nursing Homes as a solution? Do you need a Home Care solution for you or a loved one? Comfort Keepers® supports seniors in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the surrounding areas, enabling them to maintain happy, healthy lives in the comfort of their own homes.

We achieve this by delivering top-quality, compassionate care and safety technology solutions, fostering independence, and enhancing overall well-being.

Moreover, our seasoned in-home caregivers are carefully chosen based on their empathetic qualities. Our care centers around companionship for seniors. Empathetic care originates from the soul and allows us to meet our client’s requirements. 

Senior Homecare Near Me

Contact the Comfort Keepers® North Vancouver and West Vancouver office to learn more about our unique service offering.

Comfort Keepers is an Accredited Senior Care Agency in North and West Vancouver, BC

Comfort Keepers®, the premium home care service for Seniors on the North Shore, was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Achieving the highest available certification in Canada for Accredited Home care services demonstrates Comfort Keepers® commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in North Vancouver and West Vancouver.

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