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Dementia Patients Struggle with "Sundowning" Syndrome in Evenings
15 Nov
Summary
- "Sundowning" can alter dementia patients' behavior and persist through the night
- Dementia causes gradual brain function deterioration, including memory loss and mobility issues
- Symptoms of "sundowning" include distress, agitation, hallucinations, and delusions
As of November 15th, 2025, specialists have cautioned that dementia patients may face a concerning issue known as "sundowning" during the evening hours. This phenomenon can significantly impact the individual's behavior and potentially persist throughout the night.
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by the gradual deterioration of brain function. While memory loss is a well-recognized symptom, dementia can also result in other difficulties, such as personality alterations and mobility complications.
According to the Alzheimer's Society, certain symptoms may manifest towards the end of the day for those affected by dementia. This "sundowning" experience can cause the person to become intensely distressed, agitated, and even have hallucinations or delusions. The charity states that these changes in behavior are often observed in the later afternoon or as the day draws to a close.
