Sundowner's Syndrome

For those living with dementia, seasonal changes can bring added emotional, behavioral and cognitive difficulties. Changes in daylight, meal times, and sleep schedules that come with changing the clocks compound the effect of sundowning syndrome.

Sundowning can happen with dementia patients year-round, but during autumn and winter, the effects can be magnified due to shorter, darker days. Be aware of the causes of and treatments for this dementia-related behavior.

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

Sundowner’s syndrome or sundowning involves a pattern of sadness, agitation, fear, delusions and hallucinations that occur in dementia patients just before nightfall. The Increase in confusion at twilight is distressing for both patients and caregivers.