Sundown Syndrome is best described as the presence of symptoms including agitation, confusion, anxiety, and aggressiveness in the evening or night time. These symptoms occur as a result of Alzheimer's Disease and as the disease progresses the agitation, restlessness, pacing, lack of sleep, confusion, disorientation, agitation, screaming, yelling or aggression in the evening time is called Sundown Syndrome. Sundown Syndrome can increase caregiver burden and cause decline in the individuals well being. (Khachiyants et al., 2011) The amount of individuals suffering from Sundown Syndrome is 66% of individuals who live at home.
Sundown Syndrome is treatable. The following treatments are FDA approved to help manage or cure the symptoms of Sundown Syndrome. Treatments for Sundown Syndrome include bright light therapy, melatonin, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, antipsychotic medications, and environmental intervention/behavioral modifications. (Khachiyants et al., 2011) To prevent Sundown Syndrome similar treatments can be used that are used to treat Sundown Syndrome. These include light therapy, music therapy, aromatherapy, caregiver education, multisensory stimulation, stimulated presence therapy, sleep hygiene routine, adherence to a structured daily schedule, and physical exercise. (Khachiyants et al., 2011)
To work with individuals who experience Sundown Syndrome you have to be patient and show no frustration. You can listen to the persons concerns, avoid arguing, and reassure the person that they are safe. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breaths and counting up to ten can help. Another tip is to create a comforting home setting. Redirect the individuals if he or she shows an episode of aggression.(Coping with agitation, aggression, and Sundowning in alzheimer's disease | National Institute on Aging 2024) Finally living a healthy life and avoiding unhealthy habits can help prevent the symptoms of Sundown Syndrome.
Caregivers are available to help. To schedule a caregiver complete the care plan form found on the home page or click here. Upon completion of the care plan form you will be contacted by a care coordinator to schedule a in home visit. Caregivers start at only $25.00 per hour with unlimited availability including holidays.
References:
Coping with agitation, aggression, and Sundowning in alzheimer’s disease | National Institute on Aging. National Institute On Aging. (2024, July 17). https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-changes-behavior-and-communication/coping-agitation-aggression-and-sundowning
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3246134/ Khachiyants, N., Trinkle, D., Son, S. J., & Kim, K. Y. (2011, December). Sundown Syndrome in persons with dementia: An update. Psychiatry investigation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3246134/