what exactly is sundown syndrome?

Question

my grandma has this plus dementia,she is 91 and they have called in hospice to help her until her time comes, she also has kidney failure,congested heart failure we was told she doesnt have long, then i heard that she had sundown syndrome, its really confusing them saying she has so many things wrong plus (all timers) i know its spelled wrong but it works...

Answer 1

Sundown syndrome--also called sundowning or sunsetting--is a behavior common in people with Alzheimer's disease. It describes the episodes of confusion, anxiety, agitation, or disorientation that often occur at dusk and into the evening hours. The episodes may last a few hours or throughout the night.

While the exact cause of sundown syndrome is not known, experts believe there are several contributing factors. These include physical and mental exhaustion (after a long day) and a shift in the internal body clock caused by the change from daylight to dark. Some people with Alzheimer's disease have trouble sleeping at night, which may contribute to their disorientation. Medication that can cause agitation or confusion also may be a contributing factor to this syndrome.

Answer 2

Sundown syndrome is a part of Alzheimer's that affect some people. It get's it's name because of when it starts. The effected person has Alzheimer's but it isn't noticeable until late in the day, around sundown, then it unfortunatly kicks in. While regular Alzheimer's is bad, I've heard that people with the Sundown syndrome, seem really normal for most of the day, but as the day goes on they get progressivly worse and by the time night time hits it's like they can't do anything for themselves. Then in the morning they're fine again. It's really hard on them because they seem so normal. Eventually the sundown syndrome fades, and they have full blown Alzheimer's. This is where it gets even worse, because the person may have had Alzheimer's for several years before the sundown syndrome fades, but when it does the Alzheimer's acts like they never had the sundown and they are just gone. It's harsh, I know. But I don't know of any other way to say it. I"m sorry.

Try a good Internet search. What I know about it came from a TV show.

Answer 3

Sundown syndrome--also called sundowning or sunsetting--is a behavior common in people with Alzheimer's disease. It describes the episodes of confusion, anxiety, agitation, or disorientation that often occur at dusk and into the evening hours. The episodes may last a few hours or throughout the night.


While the exact cause of sundown syndrome is not known, experts believe there are several contributing factors. These include physical and mental exhaustion (after a long day) and a shift in the internal body clock caused by the change from daylight to dark. Some people with Alzheimer's disease have trouble sleeping at night, which may contribute to their disorientation. Medication that can cause agitation or confusion also may be a contributing factor to this syndrome.

Sundown syndrome can be draining for the person with Alzheimer's disease and his or her caregivers. Here are some suggestions for helping a loved one with sundown syndrome:


Schedule your day so that the more difficult tasks are done early in the day, when the person is less likely to become agitated.
Watch the person's diet and eating habits. Restrict sweets and drinks with caffeine to the morning hours. Try serving the person a late afternoon snack or an early dinner. To help the person relax, try decaffeinated herbal tea or warm milk.
Keep the house or room well lit. Close the drapes before the sun goes down, so the person doesn't watch it become dark outside.
If the person falls asleep on the sofa or in a chair, let him or her stay there. Don't wake the person to go to bed.
Try distracting the person with activities he or she enjoys. Soothing music or a favorite video may help, as well.
Encourage the person to engage in some physical activity--such as walking, if able--during the day. This may help him or her to sleep better at night.

Answer 4

SunDowner's Syndrome
A featured article from the November 2003 Issue of the
Country Side Living Newsletter

EManay caregivers who care for elderly residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia's may notice that their residents/loved ones become irritable, confused and may display obstinate behaviors in the late evening, especially after the sun goes down. This state of increased confusion and agitation is termed Sundowner's Syndrome.

One of the most prevalent problems associated with Sundowner's is sleeplessness. A good way to encourage a good night's sleep is to be sure regular exercise is provided during the day. A frequent walk outdoors in the bright light not only provides exercise, but it also exposes them to much needed sunlight. Research has shown that residents sleep better and longer if they receive adequate daily sunlight exposure. Bright light increases the secretion of the melatonin in the brain. Melatonin regulates the daily rhythms of sleep, body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Research has found that many people suffering from Alzheimer's have low blood levels of melatonin, so it is even more important to increase melatonin production by bright light exposure daily. At Country Side Living, we use a Bio Light for two hours each morning to supplement the sunshine.

Looking at the resident's diet may be another way to help them have a good nights sleep. Limiting sugar and caffeine to the morning hours as well as serving an early dinner and offering a light meal before bedtime are all things that can really help.

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Answer 5

I won't attempt to answer this question medically, because I was never that good at explaining plaques, dendrites, and neurotransmitters.

In layman's terms, people suffering from dementia, such as Alzheimer's, experience a marked loss in cognitive--and often motor--function as sunset approaches, hence the name "sundown syndrome" or "sundowning."

I think perhaps it has something to do with the circadian rhythms, but I'm not sure. Is your grandmother on Aricept? Talk to her as much as possible during the day, and keep her mind occupied with crossword and word-search books. Keeping her engaged can actually slow the decline a little. As for sundowning, do yourself a favor and don't go visit at night...I've been there, and it's heartbreaking.

Answer 6

I just heard about the sundown syndrome and find it so interesting since my mother who is 92 is being affected by dementia. She lives with me (her 68 year old daughter) and share the care giving with my sister. We re sort of taking turns. Right now I ve had her since October (3 or so months)... it s gone from being pretty good to dementia in that short a time. She has osteoarthritis in her right leg and has difficulty walking so daily activity is minimal. She is almost blind which doesn t help any since she can t read nor do word search which she did before. During most of the day her actions are pretty normal. then by dinner her mind goes where it s in a different place and time. So I find it quite interesting and yet saddened that it has come to this point. I do believe she has the sundown syndrome. It s so very difficult to see your loved one go through the end of her life in this manner. I try my best to take good care of her daily. Life is never easy. Thank you for letting me share.

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what exactly is sundown syndrome?
my grandma has this plus dementia,she is 91 and they have called in hospice to help her until her time comes, she also has kidney failure,congested heart failure we was told she doesnt have long, then i heard that she had sundown syndrome, its really confusing them saying she has so many things...

Answer 8

Sweetie, Don't concern yourself about what she has wrong. At her age it is not uncommon to have many different things come together at the same time. Just be there if she needs you and try not to worry. I am sure that is not what your Grandma would want you to do.

Answer 9

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