‘Sundowning’ can cause increased agitation in people with dementia

“They might say they need to go home, even if they are at home, or that they need to pick the children up from school even if their children are now adults.

“Other symptoms can include shouting, arguing, pacing or becoming confused about who people are and what’s happening around them.”

Tips for managing sundowning

If you believe someone you know with dementia is experiencing sundowning, there are some techniques that could help them feel more at ease.

Dementia UK recommends:

• Use distraction techniques – go into a different room, make the person a drink, have a snack, turn some music on or take them out for a walk
• Ask the person what the matter is – listen carefully to their response and if possible, see if you can deal with the reason for their distress
• Talk in a slow, soothing way
• Speak in short sentences and give simple instructions to try to avoid confusion
• Hold the person’s hand or sit close to them and stroke their arm.

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