Home » Health Conditions » Alzheimer's & Dementia » Questions » My 84-year-old mother is having symptoms of…
Print
Email
Carol Bradley Bursack, Mar 18, 2010
Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories."
There are no two people alike. I'd talk with her doctor. The timing could have something to do with her medications or when she takes them.Carol
(0)
Report this Post
mhmarfil
Give a Hug
Mar 19, 2010
hi there! i can relate to your situation. My mom too was into this sundowning syndrome around january-february 2010. But now she's sleeping well and boy it is a relieve for me! I am glad that she somehow follows my own circadian rhythm so now I get to sleep well at night too with one or two interruptions only.... u think this is nice already ? lol... when she was into sundowning, she bothers me 3-5x each night it was terrible it affects my alertness during daytime and my office performance suffers. I just wanna tell you it will all come to pass. Maybe it's because it's starting to be summer time in my country so my mom's bio clock is adjusting in sync with mine. Don't worry, your mom's case will normalize in a few weeks or months but as I know with elderly, it will also return again. Meantime. enjoy, smile for yourself even if you force it on your face hahaha... and relax even for few hours. We caregivers deserve to pamper ourselves even with the silliest simplest pleasure this world can offer for free... Happy weekend dear.
Helpful Answer (0)
cindybrownlbsw
Mar 20, 2010
Oooohhh Yeah! I think that the reason "sundowning" is thought to be only at night is because most people indeed sundown about this time. But I believe that "sundowning" occurs at the time of day when a demented individual is accustomed (or wired for) to something of importance happening. It is usually about sundown when most traditional families sat down to dinner, the kids were home from school, hubby was home from work, it was family time. This was a pattern that was repeated for many years in their earlier lives (both as children and as adults) therefore is a deeply ingrained, "over learned pattern". It is my opinion that something of great importance to your mom happened in the morning that she continues to subconsciously anticipate. Can you identify something that will occupy her during the time she is sundowning? In my experience sundowning is best addressed not by medication but by activity during those hours when the sundowning occurs depending on her level of ability. For some of my clients a car ride works, cooking or other complex task (with which they have assistance of course), a nap that begins 1/2 hour before the typical agitation begins (not such a great idea in the morning though!) or visits with/from others during that time. One other question I would ask is how is your mother sleeping? A sleep disturbance could also contribute to morning sundowning!
Please stay on topic or ask a new question.
Have a question? Just need to vent? Find answers and support from the real experts - other caregivers!
Help, I have a hoarding father and I want to move out of my own place. Comment 7 mins ago by jeannegibbs
Why is dad telling everyone I lied about having cancer? He should be happy they got it in surgery! Answered 15 mins ago by NancyH
How do you protect them from themselves? Answered 20 mins ago by jeannegibbs
My mom and I have a joint cd account and a joint checking account. Am I entitled to keep my share? Answered 24 mins ago by cmagnum
The Caregiver....How are YOU doing today? Comment 25 mins ago by lildeb
More From The Community »
Sign up for our newsletter and receive practical tips and support for caregivers
Like AgingCare.com on Facebook
To use this feature, you must be a member.
Just what a caregiver needs to make life a little easier. Join AgingCare.com for FREE!
Access the Caregiver Forum
Answers and support from caregivers and elder care experts.
Receive Helpful Caregiving Information
Articles on providing care, senior health, financial and legal matters, and more.
Create Your Personal Account
Customize your experience to see what is important to you and your unique caregiving situation.
Already a Member?
Login to your account
Screen name or email address:
Password: