Sundowning & Dementia

Sundown syndrome, or sundowning, is a pattern of sadness, agitation, fear, delusions and hallucinations that occurs in some dementia patients just before nightfall. Learn about sundowning symptoms and how you can minimize these disruptive behaviors.

For seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, daylight saving time may exacerbate the symptoms of sundowning. Changes in daylight, mealtimes and sleep schedules often bring added emotional, behavioral and cognitive difficulties.

My father recently began to display signs of Sundowners Syndrome. Here's how mom and I handle sundowning with dad.

Sundowning, also known as late day confusion, causes an increase in challenging behaviors in the early evening hours. Read experienced dementia caregivers’ tips and advice for devising a routine that minimizes sundowning behaviors.

Sleep issues are a symptom of many types of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Learn how dementia affects the sleep cycle and find techniques to improve sleep.

Read experienced caregivers’ best suggestions for using medications to help minimize the anxiety, hallucinations, and aggressive behaviors caused by sundowning.

We’ve compiled experienced dementia caregivers’ insights on dealing with sundowning behaviors that occur at other times of day, also known as “sunrising.”

A unique night care program helps dementia caregivers get a much-needed break from caring for a sundowning senior. Discover how night care helps families cope with sundowning.