Alzheimer Care in Fresno, CA: Helping to Manage Sundowner’s Syndrome

Do you or someone you love in Fresno currently suffer from Alzheimer’s? Alzheimer care can be difficult for not just an individual, but the entire family that loves and supports them. Every day the person can change and shift. This can make it difficult to create a routine or schedule that establishes structure throughout their day. For those who experience Sundowner’s Syndrome, managing their Alzheimer’s can get even more difficult.

What is Sundowner’s Syndrome?

A 2011 scientific study defines Sundowner’s Syndrome, or “sundowning”, as a “common clinical phenomenon manifested by the emergence or increment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in the late afternoon, evening or at night.”

The most common behaviors that can occur during Sundowner’s Syndrome include agitation, aggression, anxiety, confusion, disorientation, resistance, and wandering. Others may experience sleep disturbances throughout the night.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports as many as 20% of those who have Alzheimer’s will suffer from these symptoms later in the day.

Alzheimer care: 5 Ways to Manage Sundowner’s Syndrome

Below are a few ways you can help your loved one remain calm as the sun goes down:      

1. Adjust the lighting
   As the sun sets, adjust the lighting within the home to maintain the glow of the daytime. This may alleviate some irritation that comes with the darkness of night.
2.  Make sure their days are active
   Seniors that are active during the day have a lesser chance of being active at night. Plan out regular activities throughout their day, whether they include grocery store runs or doctor’s appointments. Make sure the activities stop at least four hours before their bedtime. This ensures they have enough time to wind down at their own pace.
3.  Provide comforting distractions
   To better comfort them, provide them with familiar activities to distract them from their distressing feelings. Whether it’s watching a favorite television show or crocheting, the familiarity can be a sense of comfort to them.
4.  Ensure their sleeping environment is comfortable
   Transform the room they sleep in into a peaceful, serene oasis. Invest in sunlight-blocking curtains to help your loved one get a good night’s rest. If your loved one often wanders, purchase motion detectors throughout the house to alert you of their whereabouts.
5.  Consult your doctor
   Your loved one’s primary care physician may be able to provide Alzheimer’s care solutions to help your loved one’s Sundowner’s Syndrome. They may suggest natural supplements or medications that aid anxiety or depression.

If you or your family needs help dealing with your loved one’s Sundowner’s Syndrome, don’t be afraid to ask for help. At Visiting Angels of Fresno, we’re here to aid at every step of the way. Our senior care services include Alzheimer care, personal care, companion care, and social care. We offer free in-home consultations to Fresno families who are in search of their partner-in-care.

To learn more about our Alzheimer care, and other care services we provide, contact Visiting Angels of Fresno at your earliest convenience.