Evening agitation

karenhag

My DH who has AZ is beginning to display quite a bit of agitation in late afternoon into the evening.  This is new stage for us. Does anyone have suggestions how or what I can do lessen the agitation?

Thank you.

karenhag

terei

Sounds like typical ‘sundowning’ behavior.  There is lots of information about this on this forum + on the internet.      There are lots of things to try..putting all your lights on, distraction, + many times, medication to calm the PWD

search4innerpeace

My LO also experiences this late afternoons and evenings.  From the material I have gathered it's all about the approach, making changes to the enviroment, not pushing any expectations on the person, doing what can to make sure they are comfortable, etc.  Of course, one tactic may work one day and not the next.

John2.0.1

Ya my mom is always more confused, anxious, paranoid in the second half of the day than in the morning. If I talk to her around 10AM things are fine.

If it's any time after 3pm and she calls me I know she's got the delusion that she is in the train station or somewhere and she needs me to get her right away. Because she calls on her land line I know she is in her room and is having a delusion she's somewhere else.

She is also more suspicious of staff, distrustful and more likely to be uncooperative after 3pm.

Sundowning as they say. Talk to his Dr about shifting the times of day he has meds if he has them. Or add some if recommended.

lisarae

My husband starting suffering from Sundowning and late afternoons and evenings became more difficult for him.  We find ways to keep him distracted.  He colors or works on craft type projects.  We also listen to some of his favorite music or watch his favorite television shows.  During the night time we have to leave a light on.  We found a special yellow light that has made his night time hallucinations not happen as often.

Dave Cahail

Definitely sounds like Sundowners Syndrome. Get and read the book "The 36 Hour Day". It will help understand the syndrome as well as dementia and memory loss and tips to help deal with it.

ezy_priscilla

Hi Karen,

This is a very common symptom in patients with Alzheimers Disease. From experience, its best to try to find ways for them to remain calm instead of arguing with them. If the agitation progresses, there are medications that can be given. You should speak to her psychiatrist to see if they are eligible for these treatments. If symptoms feel moderate to severe, a clinical trial may also be a solution. Sometimes treatments that are available are not sufficient enough to calm the behaviors. However there is a trial right now for patients with agitation. It is a free treatment given to the patients. If you are interested in more information, please feel free to reach out to me or give me a call at 786-483-8162.