Unraveling the Mysteries of Dementia: From Sundowning to Young-Onset Alzheimer's
Sundowning refers to the increased confusion and altered behaviors that people with dementia often experience in the late afternoon and evening. This can be attributed to the fading light, which reduces sensory input and makes it harder for the brain to interpret the environment. Additionally, cognitive exhaustion plays a role, as individuals with dementia exert more mental effort throughout the day due to the loss of cognitive reserve. To manage sundowning, it is important to ensure well-lit environments, consider short naps to alleviate cognitive fatigue, and address any unmet needs or underlying causes contributing to the behaviors.
