Have you noticed that your loved one’s dementia symptoms are worsening this time of year? It’s not just your imagination – it’s incredibly common for individuals with dementia to have increased incidences of sundowning, anxiety and other unwanted symptoms.
“Winter causes fluctuations in our brains due to the changing light levels and disrupted sleep patterns,” says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford. “Ending Daylight Savings Time doesn’t help. While you would think getting an extra hour of sleep would be beneficial, the change can be incredibly disruptive and upsetting to those with dementia.”
The onset of shorter days and less daylight can exacerbate sundowning, which is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that often (but not always) occur when the daylight hours wane. Some common symptoms exhibited during sundowning are aggression, confusion, irritation and anger. Some experts believe sundowning is related to our circadian rhythm, but it can also be exacerbated by changes in schedule – such as seemingly eating dinner an hour later thanks to Daylight Savings Time.
The winter days and nights can also increase the incidence of depression in both seniors with dementia and their caregivers – specifically, Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. The low levels of Vitamin D and the disruption of the circadian rhythm also can disrupt sleep, which leads to nighttime wandering and daytime drowsiness.
“Dementia can be difficult to deal with at the best of times,” says Erica. “If your loved one’s dementia symptoms are worsening, take a deep breath – there are things you can do to help manage the situation and provide a sense of calm for both you and them.”
Encourage sunbathing. While we don’t recommend putting on a bathing suit and heading outside to the lawn (brr), we do recommend taking advantage of natural sunlight as much as possible. Whenever possible, bundle up and go for a short walk with your loved one around the block, or even around your yard. If it’s simply too cold, throw open the drapes and sit by a sunny window. Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s rays slip through the clouds, helping reset the circadian clock, boost Vitamin D, reduce stress and improve moods. If going outside simply isn’t an option, consider getting a light therapy box.
Create a calming sunset routine. If your loved one experiences sundowning, set the scene for a calm and serene sunset. Start in late afternoon and focus on calming the room and surroundings for your loved one. Wrap up any activities well before sundown so you’re not overstimulating your loved one. Playing relaxing music, making sure the inside lights are turned on and a distraction free zone can help reduce sundowning symptoms.
Get enough exercise. Sundowning can be triggered by a variety of things, including not getting enough exercise or activity during the day. Make sure that you and your loved one both get enough physical activity during the day. At the same time, be sure to entertain your brains with activities and tasks – boredom is another trigger for sundowning.
Try and keep a routine as much as possible. You already know that routine helps make things run more smoothly with your loved one; that goes double during the winter months. While The holidays can make things a little dicey, do your best not to change schedules too much or disrupt your loved one’s routine. This will go a long way towards helping manage their symptoms.
Manage meals. Eating too much at night and imbibing sugar or alcohol can exacerbate dementia symptoms. Consider making lunchtime the large meal of the day and serve a lighter dinner of soup, sandwiches or salads for the evening meal. Avoid serving sugar or caffeine in the evening if possible.
Maintain good sleep hygiene. It can be hard to sleep in a room that’s used for multiple things. Experts across the board agree that maintaining good sleep hygiene – which starts by reserving the bedroom for sleeping only – is essential for good rest. Make sure your loved one’s room is cool enough (being too warm disrupts sleep), dark enough and is used only for sleeping. Remove any TVs or screens, which can cause sleep disruptions, and be sure to have a consistent, calming bedtime routine that you stick to as much as possible.
Ask for help. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed or if you are having difficulty helping your loved one manage their symptoms, ask a friend or family member to provide support and assistance. Have them come and watch your loved one for a few hours so you can get out of the house and provide some self-care. You can also consider a short-term stay at a nearby memory care community, or hiring an aid to come in several times a week. Your local Area Agency on Aging or your local Alzheimer’s Association® chapter are both great resources for finding assistance.
Comprehensive Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford delivers highly specialized memory care assisted living for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our resident-centered approach focuses on providing dignity, purpose and moments of joy in daily life for those in all stages of the disease. We offer a wellness-focused lifestyle that centers around a resident’s current skills and abilities, not those that have been lost to dementia.
Life-Enriching Programs
Our team members take an active role in getting to know each resident on a personal level to deliver programming that is meaningful to them. We account for the preferences, interests, needs and abilities of our residents to connect with them and encourage their involvement in daily life and boost self-esteem.
Warm, Residential Atmosphere
Featuring a stunning residential design, every inch of our community has been designed to benefit those with memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable, safe and at home.