Clocks Change Dementia Warning: Sundowning Symptom Alert This Weekend
Experts are issuing a stark warning that a "disorientating" dementia symptom may become more pronounced as the clocks spring forward this weekend. The shift to British Summer Time, scheduled for 1am on Sunday, March 29, could exacerbate a condition known as "sundowning," leading to increased anxiety, confusion, and distress for individuals living with dementia.
While the loss of an hour's sleep is a minor inconvenience for most, the time change can prove profoundly challenging for those with cognitive impairments. Sundowning involves a noticeable shift in behaviour, where individuals may become more bewildered, agitated, and restless as their internal body clocks are disrupted by the altered daylight patterns.
Why the Clock Change Triggers Sundowning
The Alzheimer's Society explains on its website: "For the majority of people, changing the clocks can be a minor nuisance, but for people living with dementia it can be disorientating and sometimes cause anxiety and distress." As daylight begins earlier and ends later, distinguishing between 6am and 6pm becomes difficult, disrupting the circadian rhythm.
This disruption can lead to insufficient sleep, causing overtiredness, low mood, and impaired cognitive function. Patients may also exhibit irritability and heightened distress, placing additional strain on both themselves and their caregivers.
How to Spot Sundowning Symptoms
Dementia UK highlights key indicators of sundowning to watch for:
- Individuals may insist they are in the wrong place, even at home.
- They might express a need to go home or pick up children from school, despite those children being adults.
- Other symptoms include shouting, arguing, pacing, or confusion about people and surroundings.
Practical Tips for Managing Sundowning
Experts from Dementia UK offer actionable advice for caregivers:
- Use distraction techniques: Move to a different room, offer a drink or snack, play calming music, or take a gentle walk.
- Communicate effectively: Ask about their concerns, listen carefully, and address the root cause of distress if possible.
- Employ soothing communication: Speak slowly and calmly, using short sentences and simple instructions to minimise confusion.
- Provide physical comfort: Hold their hand, sit close, or stroke their arm to offer reassurance.
Strategies for Preventing Sundowning Episodes
Proactive measures can help mitigate sundowning effects:
- Establish a consistent evening routine with enjoyable, calming activities.
- Maintain a daytime schedule with engaging pursuits to structure the day.
- Limit intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages; offer caffeine-free and alcohol-free alternatives instead.
- Restrict daytime naps to promote better nighttime sleep.
- Close curtains and turn on lights before dusk to ease the transition to evening.
- Cover windows, mirrors, and glass doors to avoid confusing reflections.
- Avoid large evening meals that can disrupt sleep patterns.
For further support, Dementia UK's Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline is available at 0800 888 6678 or via email at helpline@dementiauk.org. If someone shows signs of dementia without a diagnosis, consulting a GP is strongly recommended. With around 900,000 people in the UK affected by dementia, awareness and preparedness are crucial, especially during seasonal changes like this weekend's clock adjustment.
