September 22nd is the Autumnal Equinox. It’s the official arrival of fall.
It’s the time of year when people in northern states start to see a clear change in the amount of daylight.
The sun begins to set earlier, and it’s often still dark as you wake up.
When your mom has Alzheimer’s disease, the Autumnal Equinox often leads to a shift in mood.
You’ve noticed your mom becomes moodier and even angry in the early evening.
She’s more argumentative and may experience severe anxiety.
These are all signs of sundowning.
What Is Sundowning?
Sundowning is also known as late-day confusion.
When it happens, pacing and restlessness often increase. Confusion, agitation, and anxiety become more apparent than usual.
As your mom doesn’t understand what’s happening, she may become particularly angry or try to escape her home.
You may hear her insist she wants to go home, and she’ll push, kick, or hit anyone who tries to stop her.
Why sundowning occurs is unclear. For some, shadows can trigger it, which is why it’s more common in the early evening. It may also be tied to hunger, exhaustion, or pain.
Look for Patterns in Your Mom’s Behavior
You need to learn the patterns and figure out what is going on when sundowning occurs.
If it’s the same time every day, check the home’s lighting. Is the room dimly lit?
If so, put the lights on timers and have them light up the room half an hour before the sun starts shifting in the sky. See if that helps.
If sundowning gets worse when the smell of the meal you’re cooking starts filling the home, provide a small snack to appease your mom’s hunger.
If your mom seems overly tired, try to get her to start taking a mid-afternoon nap that’s enough to recharge her without making it hard for her to sleep at night.
You may find your mom doesn’t sleep well at night. You finally get her to bed at 11 p.m., but she’s awake and ready to go at 2 a.m. You’re exhausted, as she’s not sleeping enough.
Start looking at what she’s eating in the hours before bed.
Avoid caffeine and foods with added sugar. Instead, offer a cup of decaf tea with warm milk or something filling like oatmeal.
You want items that will keep her blood sugar levels stable during the night.
Sundowning can lead to difficult behaviors. Alzheimer’s care professionals offer the means to support and supervise your mom’s activities when she’s more prone to wander, refuse to sleep, or get angry.
Consider Hiring an Alzheimer’s home care aide to provide the care your mom needs as she transitions into the mid to late stages of the disease.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Kendall, FL, please contact the caring staff at Angel Home Care Services today. Call (305) 220-4544
A Trusted Home Care Agency in the Kendall, West Kendall, Kendall West, South Miami, West Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Doral, Cutler Bay, Sweetwater, Florida and surrounding areas.
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