Dementia is a bunch of signs associated to the continued decline of the mind.

For this purpose it could possibly have an effect on reminiscence, behaviour and even motion.

Although there isn't a treatment for dementia, there are remedies and assist accessible to those that want it.

Therefore, it is important any indicators of dementia are addressed as quickly as they're noticed.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, some signs can seem in direction of the tip of the day.

Known as “sundowning”, the affected person could become distressed or agitated.

The charity explains: “Sometimes you might see changes in the person’s behaviour in the later afternoon or towards the end of the day.

“During this time the person may become intensely distressed, agitated and have hallucinations or delusions.

“This may continue into the night, making it hard for them to get enough sleep.

“This is sometimes known as ‘sundowning’ but is not necessarily linked to the sun setting or limited to the end of the day.

“Sundowning can happen at any stage of dementia but is more common during the middle stage and later stages.”

Causes of sundowning

Sundowning might be triggered by quite a few elements.

Dementia UK says: “As the day goes on, the person with dementia becomes more tired, and this can lead to their dementia symptoms worsening.

“Hunger, thirst and physical pain can also play a part.

“As darkness falls, streetlights come on and people settle in for the evening.

“These changes can make the person increasingly concerned that they are in the wrong place, or that they have forgotten to do something vital during the day.”

The Alzheimer’s Society lists the next as causes of sundowning:

• Tiredness, starvation, ache or different unmet bodily wants
• Not sufficient publicity to daylight in the course of the day
• Overstimulation in the course of the day, reminiscent of from a loud or busy atmosphere
• Disturbance to the particular person’s ‘body clock’ brought on by harm to the mind
• Disturbed ranges of hormones that adjust over the course of the day
• Sensory impairment, reminiscent of listening to or sight loss
• Tiredness in different individuals inflicting the particular person with dementia to turn out to be upset
• Mood issues, reminiscent of nervousness or melancholy
• Fewer carers round to take care of the particular person (in a care residence)
• Side results of pharmaceuticals.

What to do in the event you suppose somebody is exhibiting indicators of sundowning?

If you suppose somebody is exhibiting indicators of sundowning however is undiagnosed with dementia it is best to search medical assist.

To handle the signs Dementia UK recommends:

• Using distraction methods: go into a distinct room, make the particular person a drink, have a snack, flip some music on, or exit for a stroll
• Asking them what the matter is. Listen fastidiously to their response and if potential, see in the event you can cope with the explanation for his or her misery
• Talking in a gradual, soothing means
• Speaking in brief sentences and provides easy directions to attempt to keep away from confusion
• Holding the particular person’s hand or sitting near them and stroking their arm.