As the clocks fall back and the days grow shorter, a leading dementia charity has issued a vital health warning for families across the UK. The reduction in daylight hours can dramatically intensify a distressing phenomenon known as 'sundowning' for individuals living with dementia.
Sundowning refers to a state of increased confusion, agitation, and anxiety that typically peaks in the late afternoon and evening. Experts from Dementia UK emphasise that the sudden shift to darker afternoons in autumn and winter can severely disrupt the internal body clocks of those with dementia, making these symptoms much more pronounced.
What Are the Key Signs of Sundowning?
It is crucial for carers and family members to recognise the symptoms, which include:
- Increased agitation or anxiety: Pacing, restlessness, and general unease.
- Confusion and disorientation: Not recognising their surroundings or forgetting the time of day.
- Visual hallucinations: Seeing things that are not there.
- Resistance to care: Becoming unusually stubborn or refusing help.
- Mood swings: Rapid changes from calm to upset or angry.
Why Does the Change of Season Have Such an Impact?
The lack of natural light is a primary trigger. Light plays a fundamental role in regulating our circadian rhythms—the body's internal 24-hour clock. For a person with dementia, this system is already vulnerable. The darker evenings send conflicting signals, exacerbating feelings of confusion and fear as their environment becomes unfamiliar and shadowy.
"The symptoms of sundowning can be incredibly distressing, both for the person with dementia and those caring for them," explains a specialist dementia adviser from Dementia UK.
Practical Strategies to Manage Symptoms
Thankfully, there are several effective ways to help manage these seasonal challenges:
- Maximise daylight exposure: Encourage time outside or near a window during daylight hours to boost natural light intake.
- Maintain a consistent routine: Keeping set times for meals, walks, and bedtime provides a sense of security and predictability.
- Improve indoor lighting: As it gets dark outside, ensure the home is well-lit to minimise shadows and reduce confusion.
- Limit stimulants: Reduce caffeine and sugar intake later in the day, which can disrupt sleep and increase agitation.
- Create a calm evening environment: Introduce relaxing activities like listening to soft music or looking through old photo albums.
If sundowning behaviours become increasingly difficult to manage, seeking professional support is essential. Families are encouraged to contact specialist admiral nurses for expert advice tailored to their specific situation.
This winter, understanding the profound effect of the seasons on dementia can be the first step towards providing better, more compassionate care for our loved ones.
