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Real members of myALZteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Sundowning What Is It

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Bouctouche New Brunswick

Every night my husband sits in the livingroom to watch tv but at a certain time he always closes the curtain. I was wondering if that was part of it. Thanks in advance

October 22, 2020
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A myALZteam Member

My husbands sundowning has slowed down lately. He use to become more active in the evenings pacing, pacing, more pscing. In addition he would rummage, move items around and sometimes try to rearrange furniture. In the summer I tried taking our walks after dinner it that seems to increase the pacing. Anyway now that it get dark earlier, this seems to have decreased. As always every day is different . Patience and creativity is needed on this journey. Just breathe!!

October 22, 2020
A myALZteam Member

I always draw drapes and put on bright lights at dusk so hubby less likely to sundown so perhaps your hubby knows he feels better with drapes drawn.

October 22, 2020
A myALZteam Member

My husband was doing the same thing for awhile. Now at the same time of day he wants to take a nap.

October 24, 2020
A myALZteam Member

All of the provided answers are correct about sundowners, it is at its worse late afternoon and evenings. Somtimes an anxiety med will hekp to reduce frequentcy, delay action. Try to keep them calm early meals seem to help and give Anxiety pill right afrter eating evening meal. Then give evening meds about two hours after that, put music on and that seems to keep them calm. If still wanting to walk I have R walk from thr living room to the kitchen sink and then walk back, several times till she is ready to sit. Sometimes I have to walk with her but mostly does it by herself because we talk abiut how important it is for to walk and keep her legs able to support and able her to walk,, w/o a cane or walker.

October 24, 2020
A myALZteam Member

Sundowning is when one with dementia/altzheimers becomes agitated, typically as the sun goes down, but it could be anytime. It takes many forms from sullen to very troubled to acting out. My H used to seem to start @ 3pm and took until mid evening to settle down. The last few months it’s a little less so and dinner (@ 5pm always sets him right until an hour later. Some calm with music or distraction and some need medication. Keep a log and you’ll see the pattern easily. There is nothing set in stone with this disease and it can change from day to day. Hang in there.

October 22, 2020

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