Neurological disorders like dementia often present symptoms that are difficult to detect, as forgetfulness, language difficulties, or clumsiness are common occurrences for many people.
However, there is an unusual symptom of dementia that should alert you to consult your doctor, as advised by Dr. Kellyn Lee, CEO of a leading dementia charity.
This symptom tends to appear at a specific time each day.
If a person begins displaying concerning behaviors during the late afternoon or evening, or consistently at the same time daily, they may be experiencing a phenomenon known as ‘sundowning.’
The Alzheimer’s Society explains that individuals undergoing this condition ‘act in ways that are difficult to comprehend in the late afternoon or early evening.’
Dr. Lee elaborated on TikTok: “This can happen at any time of day, but what we see a lot with people living with dementia is that it can happen in the afternoon.”
Dr. Lee noted that those experiencing sundowning may encounter ‘anxiety and agitation and maybe increased confusion’ as the day progresses.
During these times, individuals may feel significant distress and could experience hallucinations or delusions. These episodes can last well into the night, affecting their sleep.
Sundowning refers to a collection of symptoms observed in people, usually in the middle to later stages of dementia, towards the end of the day. The exact cause remains unclear.
Nonetheless, certain factors can act as triggers for sundowning or increase the likelihood of it occurring.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, some triggers are related to specific times of the day.
It’s crucial to consider that those with dementia might display these symptoms due to an inability to express their needs, such as feeling hungry or being in pain.
The organization also mentions that inconsistencies in indoor lighting can trigger sundowning. To mitigate this, it can be beneficial to close curtains and cover light sources as the time of day approaches.