“Sundowning” refers to an increased state of anxiety and confusion at the end of the day that often occurs in people with Alzheimer’s, states Carol Bradley Bursack. There have been many theories about the behavior. Some professionals think the person is used to a normal work day, therefore as the day ends, he or she is trying to go home from work or accomplish something that is related to wrapping up the day. Others think that people with AD perceive their environments differently as the light begins to fade toward sundown and that change causes sensory confusion that may make…
Typically, these are requests for help. Consequently, they may be a response to stress, seeking attention, or lack of stimulation. Therefore, these interventions can lessen the effect: • Unmet need – hunger or thirst? • Reassurance if intimate care is approaching – the distress may be in anticipation of care procedures • Allow for pain, infection, constipation or other medical issues • Allow for more rest periods, verbal agitation can cause excessive fatigue • Consider smell, noise, light, temperature or activity.
Frederick, MD 
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