Page 50 - Dementia-Care-Specialist-Toolkit

Caregiver Tip Sheets

Sundowning

People with Alzheimer’s or dementia may become more confused
or nervous later in the day, often as the sun sets. This is called
sundowning. They may see or hear things that are not there. They
may accuse people of things that are not true, like stealing or
lying, and may pace or walk back and forth. This is not done on
purpose, and people with dementia cannot control it.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

MAKE CHANGES AT HOME

WHY DOES • turn lights on early in the afternoon to make the house brighter
• turn down (or turn off) the television or radio
THIS HAPPEN?
• turn on soothing music
People with Alzheimer’s or • avoid loud or confusing noises
dementia might be: • clear a path for the person to walk back and forth
• more tired in the late PAY ATTENTION TO MEALS AND SNACKS
afternoon
• provide a large meal at lunch and a light meal at dinner
• confused by changing • allow less caffeine, sugar, coffee, tea, and soda after 3PM
amounts of light • remove access to alcohol and cigarettes
• scared by shadows
KEEP A SCHEDULE
• reacting to your feelings • make going to bed and waking up at the same time every day
of being tired • take walks or dance to use up extra energy
• plan doctor visits, outings, baths in the morning

OTHER IDEAS
• be calm and reassuring
844.HELP. ALZ
AlzheimersLA.org • be flexible… if one idea doesn’t work, try another
© 2018 Alzheimer’s Los Angeles • comfort her and say or do something to calm her fears
Supported by DHHS, ACL (#90AL0002-01-00)
• try a new activity, like sorting coins or dancing

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