Originally published on May 12, 2023 and updated on May 6, 2025.
If you have a loved one with dementia, you’ve probably heard of the term “sundowners syndrome.” But what causes sundowners, and what does this syndrome entail? Keep reading to learn about what sundowners syndrome is along with common symptoms and treatment methods – our community for memory care in Illinois is here to help you navigate senior care.
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What Is Sundowners Syndrome?
Sundowners syndrome is a group of symptoms caused by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It occurs when an individual—typically one who is elderly—becomes more irritable, anxious, and irrational after the sun sets each evening.
What Causes Sundowners Syndrome?
Sundowners syndrome has no direct cause that can be prevented. However, the following factors are known to trigger these sudden changes in behavior.
- End-of-Day activities:Engaging in activities outside of one’s normal routine later in the day can aggravate confusion and anxiety.
- Fatigue: Exhaustion hinders memory. When a person with dementia gets tired at the end of the day, they’re more likely to become forgetful and frustrated.
- Low Lighting: When the sky becomes darker in the evening, it can make interior spaces look different than normal. A person with dementia may not recognize where they are, which will exacerbate confusion and frustration.
- Loss of Hearing: A lack of hearing can cause your loved one with dementia to become nervous and confused.
- Winter Blues: Winter months are characterized by fewer daylight hours in the evening. More time spent awake when it’s dark outside can heighten the effects of sundowning.
Read More: 7 Ways To Support A Person With Dementia During The Winter
Symptoms of Sundowners Syndrome
Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with sundowners syndrome:
- Agitation
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Frustration
- Confusion
- Sadness
- Fear
- Stubbornness
- Repeating questions
- Sudden mood swings
In more severe cases of sundowners syndrome, the individual may experience the following symptoms:
- Hallucination
- Hiding objects
- Paranoia
- Violence
- Wandering
It’s important to be able to recognize these symptoms and ensure your loved one receives the support they need.
Can Sundowning Go Away on Its Own?
While sundowning symptoms come and go, sundowners syndrome doesn’t subside on its own. It requires targeted behavioral treatments and, in some cases, medication. Our expert team at Terra Vista can help decide on the best treatment plan for your senior loved one with sundowners syndrome.
Read More: 6 Risk Factors For Sundowing & Ways To Respond
At What Stage of Dementia Does Sundowning Occur?
Sundowners syndrome usually develops in the middle to late stages of dementia. However, symptoms can present themselves during the earlier stages as well. No two cases of sundowners syndrome are the same. Symptoms will appear at different stages for different people.
Can You Have Sundowners and Not Have Dementia?
Although sundowning is most common among adults with dementia, those without dementia can still experience it. The brain naturally loses mass as you age, which can increase feelings of confusion and disorientation. Those with Parkinson’s may also suffer from sundowners syndrome.
Read More: When Is The Right Time To Move Your Loved One Into A Memory Care Community?
What Can You Do to Minimize Sundowning Symptoms?
TThe key to effective sundowners syndrome treatment is to minimize common triggers. Here are five practices from the Terra Vista team that you can implement to minimize the effects of sundowners syndrome.
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- Follow a Routine: Setting a daily routine for your loved one and ensuring they follow it is one of the best ways to minimize symptoms and provide sundowners syndrome treatment. It helps your loved one know what to expect so they aren’t taken by surprise. Try to keep them from napping during the day, as this can discourage a good night’s sleep.
- Monitor Diet Closely: Caffeinated and sugary beverages can keep dementia patients up at night and prevent them from falling asleep, which enhances their irritability.
- Minimize Noise Levels: oud noises are often distracting and irritating to people with dementia. Reduce noise levels as much as possible to keep your loved one calm.
- Illuminate Spaces: Since darkness can make someone with dementia more confused, letting natural light in when possible and turning on lamps can keep confusion at bay.
- Take advantage of Sunlight and Fresh Air: Exposure to sunshine helps modulate circadian rhythms and creates a bigger contrast between day and night, which has shown to be an element of sundowners syndrome treatment.
Compassionate Memory Care in Illinois: Terra Vista
Does your loved one with dementia need more specialized care than what you alone can provide? Terra Vista is here to help. As an award-winning community for memory care in Illinois, we offer personalized, around-the-clock care for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Whether your loved one needs sundowners syndrome treatment help, short-term rehabilitation, respite care, or a long-term living solution, we can provide the memory care services they need.
Request a personalized consultation with the Terra Vista team today to get started.
