Sundown Syndrome (sometimes called Sundowner's Syndrome, or simply referred to as Sundowning) refers to a group of symptoms that often signify progression of Alzheimer's Disease; it affects a significant percentage of Alzheimer's sufferers1 but is not limited to those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The syndrome is named for the fact that symptoms are especially noticeable at dusk or in the evening. It need not be impetus to panic, but if you see indicators or this Syndrome, you should investigate these with the help of medical professionals.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it is a strong indicator that he or she is in the middle stages of the disease. At this point, you should be researching memory care facilities near you, or at least home care services or adult day programs.
The Syndrome's main symptoms are increased confusion and impromptu restlessness that may lead to wandering. (Note that wandering is especially dangerous at this time of day, with increased traffic combined with the evening's growing darkness). A full list of related behaviour is as follows:
One or two of the above behaviours may be typical of aging parents. However, if you notice more of these on a regular basis at or around sundown, it may indicate that this symptom group is in play.
Some research has shown that the area of the brain that signals the distinction between sleeping and waking breaks down in Alzheimer's patients and also deteriorates with age. Our internal mental clock breaks down over time, worsened in those with Alzheimer's Disease2.
In general, the Syndrome is associated with over-stimulation and stress. It can also be a side effect of some medications, and of recovery from surgery. The Syndrome can be managed through several means, though. These include the following:
Be sure you consult with a medical professional to be sure that you understand the underlying cause of your loved one's Sundown Syndrome. If you make the above adjustments and your Sundowning parent has increased displays of Sundowning, you will need to take other action. An increasing number of memory care facilities have adapted environments and care options to help manage these symptoms.
Sundown Syndrome is another frustration for those who are aging or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Its predictability coupled with its inevitable negative effects make it aggravating, but at the same time manageable to a degree. Some people with Alzheimer's Disease express symptoms of the dementia evenly throughout the day; those with Sundown Syndrome may often show or feel symptoms in a more severe fashion that worsens as the day darkens.
1According to Wikipedia, Sundown Syndrome affects 20-40% of Alzheimer's sufferers, as per the Mayo Clinic. Alzheimer.ca puts the figure much higher, at 66%.
2webmd.com/alzheimers/guide/manage-sundowning
alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-sleep-issues-sundowning
Nina Khachiyants et al. "Sundown Syndrome in Persons with Dementia: An Update." Psychiatry Investigation. 2011 Dec; 8(4): 275–287. Published online 2011 Nov 4. doi: 10.4306/pi.2011.8.4.275. PMCID: PMC3246134/