Learn More About Sundowners Symptoms
Individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease may be observed to display enhanced symptoms towards the end of the day, a pattern referred to as Sundowner’s syndrome.
The neurodegenerative condition known as Alzheimer's disease currently afflicts nearly fifty million people worldwide. For many Americans, living with a family member of advanced age carries the very serious reality of eventually facing Alzheimer's symptoms. Because the onset of Alzheimer's disease is estimated to be the number one cause of adult dementia, individuals suffering from the disease oftentimes end up being incapable of looking after themselves. As the condition worsens, affected individuals typically observe a loss of short term memory, problems with linguistic control, and issues with temper. As a result, Alzheimer's disease eventually leads to long term confusion and disorientation on the part of the afflicted, which can make independent living next to impossible.
Given that so many sufferers of Alzheimer's end up in some form of assisted living, a proactive approach on the part of caregivers can be extremely important. Since individuals with the disease cannot always be expected to verbalize or even notice the onset of new and advanced effects, paying close attention to symptoms and behaviors is a key role provided by any individual caring for a friend or loved one suffering from Alzheimer's.
Families that choose to send their loved ones to assisted living homes equipped to deal with residents with Alzheimer's can typically be confident that the professional workers caring for their family members will be strident in identifying the onset of any new Alzheimer's symptoms. However, many Americans choose to have their parents and grandparents come live with them in the event of Alzheimer's and similar neurodegenerative disorders. In these cases, individuals are highly recommended to read up on the various symptoms and syndromes typically associated with Alzheimer's disease.
One such condition is Sundowner’s syndrome, also sometimes referred to as "sun-downing". Sundowner’s syndrome is currently poorly understood by the professional medical community, but it has been observed as extraordinarily common in individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Researchers estimate that more than 1 in 5 people diagnosed with Alzheimer's also display symptoms of sundowner’s syndrome. These folks are often times identified as such because they typically experience a worsening or increase in abnormal behaviors as the day progresses, reaching its worst during the evening - only to have conditions improve by the time the sun comes backs up. Not only do sufferers as observed as increased disorientation and forgetfulness, they often become agitated and unable to sleep at a time when they need it most.
Individuals looking to learn more about sundowner’s symptoms are advised to consult a medical professional, particularly one who has been involved with the affected individual during the course of their existing Alzheimer's disease. However, because sundowner’s syndrome is not a treatable condition, there is little specialized assistance that a doctor can offer. Instead, recognizing the development of sundowner’s syndrome can allow caretakers to take pre-emptive measures that are believed to have a connection with symptoms. For example, : creating more light and fewer shadows in the household, limiting an affected individuals' intake of drugs or alcohol, and developing a consistent nightly routine that will help elderly family members maintain their biological clocks.
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