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A Caregivers' Challenge: Dealing with "Sundowning" in Alzheimer's Disease
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP,
FACR
"Sundowning" or "Sundown Syndrome" is a phenomenon well known to many of the estimated 2.4 to 3.1 million caregivers to persons with Alzheimer's diseasein the U.S. Sundowning refers to the changes in behavior and mood that often occur in the late afternoon or evening in people with Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions that alter brain function. These changes in mood and behavior can be particularly challenging for caregivers and loved ones.
Symptoms associated with sundowning include:
- aggression,
- agitation,
- delusions,
- hallucinations,
- paranoia,
- increased disorientation, and
- wandering.