Coping with Sundowning: Strategies for Supporting People with Dementia in the Evening

Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause memory loss, difficulty communicating, and changes in mood and behavior. For some people with dementia, evenings can be particularly challenging. This phenomenon, known as "sundowning," can be distressing for both patients and their caregivers. In this article, we'll explore why evenings can be harder on people with dementia and how to cope with sundowning.

Sundowning is a term used to describe a pattern of behavior in which people with dementia become more confused, agitated, or even hallucinate as the sun sets. While the exact cause of sundowning is unknown, it is believed to be related to changes in the body's internal clock that occur with aging and dementia. As the sun sets and the natural light begins to fade, patients may become disoriented and have trouble distinguishing between night and day.