Comments on: Sundowner’s Syndrome

By: Shannon

Shannon — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:16:35 +0000

@ Barb-I am sorry to hear about your tough situation–it certainly sounds like you are trying to do your best juggling a lot, but there’s a lot on your plate. I had 2 thoughts–have you checked respite care options in your area? Here’s a broad overview about respite care: http://info.agingwisely.com/blog/bid/49944/Caregivers-Options-for-Respite-Taking-a-Break. Some counties have adult day care which is at least partially funded (i.e. could get paid for or discounted). You’d need to see if it is appropriate for your husband. Perhaps even if he was able to visit a program part of the day or while you are at work, 1. you’d feel some peace of mind re safety, 2. it may keep him busy/more tired when you get home, could possibly help with evening symptoms. Second, would any of his physician’s offices/cancer providers be able to offer any case management or recommendations? Some times they can help connect you with programs to help, though many times the elder services agencies or Alzheimer’s Assoc. are more geared to these types of needs. They may also be able to help with the agitation, what might help him feel more calm.

By: Tom Heck

Tom Heck — Sat, 19 May 2012 23:31:20 +0000

Barbara check to see if your county has any medical programs that might help you in caring for your husband. Also maybe if possible you could adjust your hours but if neither works maybe something could be prescribed to help calm him down. Let us know how you make out…

By: Sundowning in Neverland with a Little Weed | The View is Great!

Sundowning in Neverland with a Little Weed | The View is Great! — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:37:44 +0000

[...] is called Sundowning Syndrome. It’s a stage some people with dementia go through at night. It has to do with the circadian cycle [...]

By: carol

carol — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:49:29 +0000

Dana,
I too am determined that I will take care of my father who has alzhiemers.
I have a wonderful father who worked three jobs to take care of his family of nine children. He has never turned his back on me and I will take care of him until he is gone, I understand everything you are going thru. My Dad is at the point where he has regressed back to his childhood memories and the things he went thru as a child. He has recently started having the sundowners and it just breaks my heart to watch him go thru this. I have tried many things to make him feel better but even with meds he still has this happen. I think the hardest part of this is watching my Mother lose the man that dedicated his life to her they have been married 57 years and my Dad has always been her rock. This disease is the most cruel I have ever
seen. My dad takes meds to slow down the progression but I sometimes wonder if it is the right thing to do we are just prolonging his misery and eventually the disease will win. I do not know how I would get thru this without God because I do not have the strength to do it alone. I will pray for you and your family and I applaud you for stepping up and taking care of him. God Bless You and your family

By: Barb

Barb — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:31:35 +0000

I don’t know what i am supposed to do… my husband is only 64 but has dementia from brain cancer and radiation treatments. I am 13 years younger and I MUST work to keep us afloat. I have a cousin who checks on him most days, but I have anxiety every day because I never know what I am going to find when I get home. The confusion and aggression definitely are worse in the evening when I get home after a long day. He is pretty good in the morning, but bat crazy by dinner time. I work at a very strict employer and can only call during breaks and lunch and if he doesn’t answer the phone, I worry myself sick until I get home. I have no time off because it is a recent new job and as I said strict, I don’t know if he is safe at home, but I can’t afford home care – any ideas on what I can/should do???

By: michele

michele — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:35:12 +0000

My mom has the same problems. Last friday I took her to the doctor because her sugar was high and her stomach was still hurting her. Been having stomach problems for over a year. She had a fever so they put her on antibiotics and said she had a sinus infection. By Saturday night she was very weak. Called 911 and they took her to the hospital. Ran test all night and she had a infected gallbladder. Lucky to have not busted. Surgery on Monday after a round of IV antibiotics and coming home today. Have that checked out if he has stomach problems. Was a ruff time with the dementia after the surgery. Hoping that since the infection is gone the head will clear up some also. She didn’t want to eat or sleep at night because she was having stomach issues. Good luck.

By: jackie o

jackie o — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:28:40 +0000

hi my dad has just turned 64 last week im worried sick abt him,he has been in and out of hospital for last 4yrs,every time he goes in his confusion is getting worse he thinks he has been at work alday or at the pub the confusion has been realy bad he isn,t recognising me a cpl of times now and asking me where i am etc its so hard,they tell me he been ok today but i go at ngt to visit and he away in another world,but just recently iv been getting a nurse in at ngt to see for there selfs,so iv still not got a diagnosis as yet but i dont know how to get the help i and my dad both need even just answers pls help???? thank you for sharing your stories with me

By: jackie

jackie — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:41:48 +0000

i dont know how he is at dark time but will ask nursing staff tmr ngt …thank you

By: John

John — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:03:13 +0000

I would urge you to have an appt with a psychologist to deal with these acute anxieties about the dark

By: wavia

wavia — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:16:02 +0000

I just wanted to say how encouraging it is to see people helping people. My mother in law has alzheimers dementia and it is very hard not to be able to shop talk with her anymore. I lost my husband (her son) 18 years ago (at a very young age) and we were able to remember him together. Now when I visit with her she asks my name over and over again, then states something conversational and then back to asking who I am. I ask her about my husband (her son) but she does not seem to change demeanor or remember him or sometimes will stop talking (did she remember something?) I love her and want to reach her but I can’t. I know the very most important thing with her is not to be angry at her for anything she has done…she did not deserve or in any way cause this condition. I know some with dementia will act out and get beligerent or angry (I have seen this with some of my patients), but again it is not an afront on anyone who cares for them.
Dementia causes a myriad of symptoms and behaviors, just knowing that can help you stay focused on their care. A doctor can help control some of the more agressive behavior with medication, but support (groups too), guidance and a gentle spirit will go a long way. For those with fleeting symptoms as yourself with sundowners symptoms you should seriously think about some of the new medications that actually do help people with early memory loss or extreme behaviors. I don’t like to promote medications, because there are so many ways in which we can be therapeutic without them; ie presence, patient guidance, touch, animals, stuffed toys or baby dolls, therapeutic talk (especially about the past), looking at pictures to stimulate memory, music…especially nano or ipod (with headphones) music for their generation (I have seen this work very well, with stimulating the love for dance and singing), etc. Light boxes (concentrated in one box with time exposed to whole body light) for SAD (seasonal affective disorder), medications and therapy for depression, hormone tests for imbalances and even lab work for thyroid or pituitary problems can be identified. The medical realm is the first place I would go to get myself some help. I wish you the best, but don’t lock yourself in the house without getting some sort of help and somebody you can talk to about this problem. Being afraid in the dark by yourself is no way to live. You need hope and healing and health recommendations!