A SPECIALIST dementia doctors has shared tips to help carers and families to understand ‘sundowning’ – changed in behaviour in the late afternoon/early evening.
Common symptoms include a growing sense of agitation, anxiety and feeling unsettled in familiar surroundings.
Although sundowning is not directly linked to seasonal changes, shorter days and longer evenings can often contribute to additional confusion.
Dr Nikki Belsham, clinical lead for the Memory Assessment Service at Little Bromwich Centre, which is overseen by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, supports service users with all types of dementia.
Over her 20-year career, she has seen many service users and families impacted by sundowning.
She said: “It can be really distressing to experience sundowning or witness your loved one getting increasingly distressed, however, here are some suggestions that may assist an individual and family when sundowning is apparent.”
Dr Belsham shares her top tips for supporting individuals with sundowning and where to get help if this is becoming unmanageable.
- Ensure that rooms are well lit in both daytime and at night, using natural light and ensuring artificial light is bright and sufficient
- Maintain a good routine around waking, eating and sleeping
- Redirect the individual who is experiencing sundowning to other activities and utilise distraction. This could include playing music they enjoy or offering them a cup of tea and something to eat
- Remain calm and try not challenge
- Consider a gentle tone of voice and body language, offering reassurance.
It is important to consider that there may be other reasons for what could be perceived as sundowning such as being in pain, needing the toilet, feeling hungry.
If anyone is concerned about a loved one, contact your local GP and/or contact the Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456.
