Has anyone heard of sundown syndrome
before? If so I would like to know a
little bit about it.
Thanks :?
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ktcoo
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 18 Aug 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Melbourne
Sundowning Syndrome Posted: 08-18-05 05:21am
You have probably already found out about
this, but the only sundowning syndrome I
know of is related to alzheimers/dementia
whereby the person quote:
"agitated, purposeless wandering or
determined exit behaviour may occur at the
end of the day. Often known as
‘sundowning’, this may be the
consequence of cellular destruction
producing diurnal rhythm disturbance"
there is plenty of info in dementia books
on this
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robbyfields
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Montreal
Posted: 02-01-07 07:38am
What is "sundown syndrome?"
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 like 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 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.
Sundown syndrome--also called sun downing
or sun setting--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. Sundown syndrome
can be draining for the person with
alzheimer's disease and his or her
caregivers. Sundown syndrome can be
draining for the person with alzheimer's
disease and his or her caregivers.
Flax seed powder may improve nerve system
health, which is important in the
treatment of alzheimer’s disease.
Ginkgo extract helps maintain peripheral
circulation to brain. The acetyl group of
acetyl l-carnitine contributes to the
production of the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine, which is required for
mental function, and therefore may be
involved in the treatment of alzheimer
’s disease. Thiamin is essential for
normal nerve function. Vitamin b12
assists maintenance of a healthy nervous
system. Phosphatidylserine plays a role
in neurotransmission and may support brain
function and boost memory, an important
aspect of the treatment of alzheimer’s
disease.
Please note that this is not to be taken
as medical advice. If you are seeking
treatment, please contact your healthcare
professional.
