Ep. 175: Sundowning, What You Need to Know

The phenomenon known as sundowning is when a person who is living with dementia no longer has the capacity to participate in normal, day-to-day activities as they did earlier in the day. While it is true that this typically happens towards the end of the day, there are several factors behind this decline in ability. Join us for another episode as Teepa and Greg explore this topic.






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[klehman]

I love that the tabs on the video highlight the topics! As a society, we often value logic over emotion. When it comes to de-escalating, I find myself concentrating more on the emotion and sometimes using creative communication to bring back peace. Right or wrong doesn't factor in anymore but to someone from the outside listening and not understanding the disease, it looks like lying. I remember the most confusing conversation with my Mom; Her 'Where's K?". Me; 'I'm right here.' Her; 'Yes, I know that but where's K?" Me; 'I'm still here. I'm your daughter.' Her, (getting anxious, ) 'Yes, I know that but where's K?'. Me; 'Which K do you mean?'. Her, 'My daughter.' Me; 'Oh, um... she went to the store. She'll be back later.' Conflict avoided. : )

[sheridresser]

My mom is in the same situation. She sundowns at various times of day or night. She also now needs complete direction as to “what to do” every single day. She cannot watch TV or read because she can’t remember much of anything or anyone, even me at times. She calls me daily (on her Alexa Echo Show) asking what she is supposed to do next/today, so I have now become her “what to do”. I’m going and taking her out for a meal or to CVS to “shop” nearly every day. I love her dearly and am taking care of all affairs for her. Thank Gid for my husband who is helping me or otherwise I don’t know what I would do.

[mdevorah]

My mom had the sun downing, when she had to go to the hospital for 4 days, then go to a rehab/nursing center for close to 2 months, then a different hospital several days, back to nursing/rehab and finally back to her assisted living. I felt so bad for her, she couldn't keep up with where she was at or why she was still not "home"... it even took about 1 week, once back at her assisted living to get straightened out. The moves, the pain meds, and a UTI were all culprits. She is 94

[sms-]

thank you for these videos, teepa -- i'm learning so much from you

[BrianLevy]

amazing insight and tips. Thank you for you Teepa!

[ISAN_MICROGREENS]

It’s totally related to the change in time . I’ve noticed this over the last 4 years now . When it starts getting dark that’s when I have have problems. As winter approaches and it gets darker earlier I get worse and the when summer comes my sundowning goes down slightly . I’m just not buying infinite environmental for me what so ever

[janetpogue]

Our loved one doesn't seem to have this

[stevietalk]

Mom is in an Indy/ass’t living res ( she’s 91, 3 1/2 yrs. now in res, she has no help, except recently started having her meds given in a.m.) she hasn’t had a TV in over a yr. cause she can’t work the new (easy) remote .. She’s a doer with nothing to do… :/ She won’t consider moving… but she’s miserable when she can’t hear live music & dance (all she wants to do)
I’m not there most times to help her through the nothing to do & empty evenings ..

[CBeckless]

Is sundowning an indicator of the stage my loved one my be in. My mom is 62yo and was diagnosed with dementia 2 years ago, but has been showing concerning signs for about 4-5years prior.

[CBeckless]

Also, how do you change courses with sundowning if LO isn't very verbal?

[milliondollargoldrose]

Its just so hard. It seems no matter how kind i am when it comes to the bathroom a lot of the times my dad wont let me pull his pants down. I dont know what to do.

[SuzanneHoodartist]

Seeking children's book about dementia. Does one exist?