Page 25 - Leisure Living Magazine August 2017

When The Sun
Goes Down...
By Theresa Bowen, Ph.D., Email - theesajb@gmail.com
It is often common for people with moderate to late stage Alzheimer’s disease to experience sundowning. Damage to the brain occurs in areas that control language, thought, reasoning and processing in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s. When the sun goes down symptoms, or sundowning, may occur that elevate behavioral problems that continue into the night. This syndrome produces disruptive behaviors from loved ones such as: increased confusion, anxiety, distress, pacing or wandering off, and disorientation. A loved one may even detect stress in their caregiver that triggers agitation and confusion.
Sundowning is not a disease but a group of symptoms that occur at the same time every night. Many believe that sundowning is related to circadian rhythms not working correctly because of brain damage, and to the loss of the daylight. The exact cause of these behaviors is unknown but professionals theorize that many factors can trigger these behaviors. For example, if your loved one is exhausted from too many daytime activities or lack of sleep, or spent time in an unfamiliar setting, low-lighting in the room may cause them to see shadows that frighten them, and disruption from a typical nighttime routine can escalate their confusion and anxiety.
Late day disruptive behaviors can vary for each loved one experiencing sundowning because each person has different triggers and reactions to the environment. As a caregiver it is important to recognize what triggers your loved one’s disruptive behaviors. To help identify these triggers it is suggested to use a journal or a smartphone app to keep track of their daily activities and reactions to certain situations. Keeping track of this information may help you to learn what escalates their anxiety and confusion. Once you can recognize this you can try to avoid or change the situation that triggers these difficult behaviors. One example is to close blinds and turn on more bright lights at dusk.
Every family caregiver may have to use a trial-and-error method to cope with severe behavior changes from the loved one. There are
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some strategies that may make it easier for you and your loved one. These coping strategies are gathered from AgingCare.com, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Mayo Clinic:
Try to maintain a routine for bedtime and create a comfortable and safe sleeping environment;
Limit caffeine, sugar, napping, and large nighttime meals;
Be watchful of your own mental and physical exhaustion so the loved one does not sense your stress and become confused or agitated;
Limit distractions during the evening hours, instead of an action packed TV program try watching older shows or movies they used to watch; and
If you have questions or concerns you can also try calling the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900 for more help. Last week my son called the helpline to gather information for a close caregiver friend and they were very helpful with suggestions, tips, and information about Adult Day Care availability in his area.
Sundowning syndrome can be exhausting for a caregiver. The Alzheimer’s Organization (alz. org) offers caregiver support groups that meet with other caregivers and discuss problems and solutions. Sharing information with others in these support groups can be a great source of information and help. Our county belongs to the Northwest Ohio Chapter and in Port Clinton the caregiver support group meets the 2nd Monday every month at 9:00 A.M. at Magruder Hospital Conference room. You can contact Linda Politz at 419-227-9700 for more information.
The Erie County support group meets the 1st Tuesday of every month, 9:30 AM at St. Stephen United Church of Christ, 905 E. Perkins Ave. Sandusky. Contacts are Holly Caudill and Jane Windisch. Call 419-624-1171 for information.
These meetings are free of charge and registration is not required.
Theresa Bowen, Ph.D. is an Educational Consultant and Distance Education professor. Dr. Bowen earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Toledo, OH.
August 2017 LeisureLiving | 25