COLUMBUS, Ohio – With clocks falling back an hour on November 3, the shift into shorter daylight hours may bring added confusion and behavior challenges for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, creating new difficulties for their families and caregivers.

“Families may notice that their loved one is increasingly confused about the day or time and that confusion could make them wander,” said Pam Myers, senior director of programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio and Northwest Ohio Chapters. Myers notes that the reduced daylight in fall and winter can trigger sundowning, even for those who haven’t experienced it before.

Sundowning, also known as “sundowner’s syndrome,” is a set of symptoms that may arise in people with dementia as evening approaches, bringing heightened confusion, anxiety, and agitation. It can lead to behaviors like pacing, hallucinations, disorientation, and sleep disturbances, though the exact cause remains uncertain.

To help manage sleep disruptions and sundowning, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests several strategies:

  • Plan important activities, like appointments and outings, in the morning or early afternoon when alertness is higher.
  • Establish a consistent routine for waking, meals, and bedtime.
  • Encourage spending time outdoors in natural light each day.
  • Observe triggers that might precede sundowning and attempt to avoid them.
  • Reduce evening stimulation, including TV or loud sounds, and keep the home well-lit in the evening to ease confusion.
  • Use calming activities, such as playing gentle music, looking through photo albums, or watching a familiar movie.

“Alzheimer’s disease can cause those living with any form of dementia to lose their ability to recognize familiar places and faces, making it common for them to wander or become lost or confused about their location,” Myers added.

The Alzheimer’s Association also offers these tips for families and caregivers to help prevent wandering:

  • Determine potential causes: Understand if they may be seeking a lost loved one, attempting to go to work, or reacting to overstimulation.
  • Safeguard the home: Remove clutter and trip hazards, and consider relocating items like car keys or purses that may prompt someone to leave. Door alarms or chimes can also alert to any exits.
  • Observe patterns: Monitor sleep habits and maintain a record of wandering tendencies to track any patterns.
  • Create a safety plan: Keep a list of likely places the person might go, such as familiar locations or former workplaces, along with an up-to-date photo and medical information for responders. Let neighbors know of the situation and ask for their assistance if needed.

For comprehensive resources and support, families can visit alz.org/safety. Ohio is home to 236,200 residents over 65 with Alzheimer’s, and an estimated 414,000 caregivers who contribute over 624 million hours of unpaid care each year, a value exceeding $11.4 billion.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s and related resources, visit alz.org/centralohio or contact the Central Ohio Chapter at 614.457.6003 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.