It's that wonderful time of year—Autumn. The leaves change colors, the weather gets a little cooler, and we fall back an hour when daylight saving time ends.
For most of us, this time of year doesn't significantly affect our daily lives. However, for someone on the dementia journey, it can be quite challenging. The cognitive impairments associated with dementia can make it difficult for the body’s natural rhythms to realign. Losing daylight hours, having darker evenings, and losing an hour of sleep can lead to anxiety, stress, confusion, and disorientation.
Sundowning—experiencing disorientation and confusion during the late afternoon and evening—is a common symptom of dementia. This symptom can become even more pronounced with the time change. You may notice increased restlessness and wandering, overwhelming anxiety, fear or panic, heightened irritability, anger and aggression, refusal to cooperate, delusional thinking, hallucinations, mood swings, and emotional outbursts.
Here are some tips to help:
1. **Stick to a routine.** Even with the time change, maintaining a consistent routine can help minimize some of the challenging behaviors your loved one may exhibit.
2. **Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and naps during the day.** This will help your loved one sleep better at night.
3. **Go outside for a walk!** Regular exercise and exposure to sunlight can help regulate natural body rhythms.
4. **Avoid afternoon naps.** Waking up in the dark can be disorienting, making it harder to tell what time of day it is.
5. **Open shades and turn on lights throughout the house.** This can help your loved one adjust to the transition from day to night.
6. **Create a calming evening routine.** Settle into a quiet space with familiar objects, soothing music, and dim lighting to signal to the body that it's time to sleep.
7. **Consider in-home assistance.** It may be beneficial to seek help in caring for your loved You do not have to go it alone.
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