I agree with those who are concerned about the effect of medications on the elderly. They just do not metabolize meds the same way younger people do, and unfortunately some physicians overmedicate. Anesthetics, and the shock to the body of surgery can cause confusion and other behaviors associated with sundowners. I am concerned about the lack of education people are getting regarding their elderly, especially as it seems people have not been told that an infection in an elderly person can cause temporary dementia-like symptoms. In regard to behaviors worsening when they are moved about, yes another downer to getting old…a move to a new place can cause confusion/disorientation. Check with your provider regarding the long time use of meds like Ativan..they can lose their effectiveness after even 2 weeks. To all of you who are caretakers, do take care of yourselves..if it seems impossible, find a way..that is extremely important
Susan commented on http://sundownerfacts.com/sundowners-syndrome/
My aunt is 82. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s several years ago. I personally didn’t notice it until a couple of years ago when she started hallucinating. I was told by her social worker and doctor that it was no longer safe for her to live alone because of the disease. Everyone who tried to live with her was accused of stealing, so I obtained full guardianship and moved her in an Adult Foster Care. She lived three months in one home and accused the Administrator of putting black pepper on her wash cloth purposely, so it would burn each time she urine. It turned out she had a Vaginal Infection. She also stopped eating because the food didn’t taste good and she just wasn’t satisfied. I moved her to a different AFC home and she claimed the food was good but they didn’t give her enough. In February she had a total knee replacement and had to rehabilitate for a month in a rehab center. I have her here with me now.
While she was in the rehab center, the doctor prescribed a total of 12 prescriptions in addition to the five she was already taking. I refuse to continue all 12 meds; I made an appt w/her PCP to gradually wing her off. Because of all the meds, she’s stuttering, angrier, agitated, and acting stubborn. All she wants to do is sleep. Last night she was arguing with me thinking someone had stolen one hundred dollars from her. I became frustrated and left the room. I refused to try and rationalize with her. I’m also watching my sister’s mother-in-law for one week who has a bad case of sundowner’s syndrome. At 9:00p.m., she becomes confused wondering where she is and asking “do I know you”. This is an awful disease and I pray that I stay closed in my right mind at all times.
