Can sundowners happen throughout the day?

[Susan]

Does Sundowner's syndrome ever occur periodically throughout the day?  My father-in-law is 87....and he's in the hospital and acting disoriented and hallucinating periodically throughout the day and into the night.  He's been on meds....pain killers and muscle relaxers prior to his fall....which may have caused his fall.  He fractured his spine and was administered morphine after his arrival at ER.  The next day (and perhaps even that night) he began saying things that were not true and seeing things that were not real.  I'm really worried...such a change and so quick...Did he give up?  I wish all of you the very best...stay close and speak to them like they're still here...love them and let them know it.  Take care.

[daughterakanurse]

Typically Sundowners does not occur during daylight hours.  But as this syndrome is not completely figured out yet anything is possible.  It is not uncommon for an elderly person to suddenly change mental status after a fall.  Typically whatever caused the fall is the cause for the change.  I pray your father-in-law knows the Lord and you all have peace while going thru such a hard time.