Home / Health / Dementia's Sundowning: The Mystery of Evening Agitation
Dementia's Sundowning: The Mystery of Evening Agitation
23 Mar
Summary
- Sundowning, a common dementia symptom, causes intense confusion and anxiety.
- Affected individuals may believe they are in the wrong place or need to go home.
- Agitated behaviors include restlessness, irritability, shouting, and attempts to leave.
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by the progressive deterioration of brain function. Among its many symptoms, sundowning stands out as a particularly distressing manifestation. This condition is estimated to affect approximately 20% of individuals living with dementia.
Sundowning typically manifests in the late afternoon or evening, leading to heightened confusion and anxiety. Those experiencing it may feel a strong sense of displacement, believing they are in the wrong location or needing to return home, even if they are already there. They might also recall past routines or obligations, like picking up children or going to work, irrespective of current reality.
