Sundowners syndrome is the name given to a group of symptoms that occur in the late afternoon or evening, according to SundownersFacts.com. It is often seen in patients with Alzheimer's disease or other conditions that cause dementia. Sundowners syndrome is more common in older patients and patients hospitalized for longer periods of time. The cause of Sundowners syndrome is not definitively known, according to the "American Journal of Psychiatry." Caregivers of Sundowners patients should be educated about possible symptoms indicative of the syndrome.
Timing of Symptoms
The "American Journal of Psychiatry" reports that some medical professionals disagree about what time of day symptoms need to occur in order to be classified as Sundowners syndrome. The most commonly accepted time of day for onset of symptoms is late afternoon or evening. Symptoms may continue to worsen into the night and usually begin to clear by morning. Some research indicates that patients may display symptoms of Sundowners syndrome at the time of day they would have normally went home from work or had some other regularly scheduled event.
Mood Changes
According to SundownersFacts.com, mood changes are often the first symptoms of Sundowners syndrome to appear. Patients may become confused or angry and agitated for no apparent reason. A calm patient might begin to cry and become restless. Some patients may become depressed in the afternoon and evening hours, expressing feelings of fearfulness or helplessness. In more severe cases, patients may become paranoid and think someone or something is out to get them. Some could experience hallucinations. These patients might also become violent. Patient and caregiver safety should alway be considered the top priority when caring for patients with Sundowners syndrome.
Behavioral Symptoms
Patients with Sundowners syndrome may exhibit changes in their usual behaviors. According to SundownersFacts.com, patients may pace up and down halls or in their rooms. Some patients may rock back and forth. Paranoid patients may hide things like medications or personal items. Patients might not recognize their caregivers or know their own names. Some patients may engage in wandering behaviors. This is particularly dangerous given that the Sundowner patient, if lost, might not be able to find his way back to safety or even know to ask for help.
