Sundowner’s Syndrome

also known as sundowning, is a condition often associated with the early stages of Alzheimer's. Sundowners syndrome can also be considered a mood disorder or even a sleep disorder. Sufferers experience periods of extreme agitation and confusion during the late afternoon or early evening hours, leading to irritability towards caregivers. It was once believed that sundowners syndrome was a result of missed day/night light cues, hence the sudden onset at sundown. Current research points towards more organic causes such as drug interactions or stress associated with lower cognitive function.

Rose suffers from this every evening...she gets angry and irrational...even more demanding than ususal...she obsesses over when her hair was washed last...or if we are having dinner... Though she will say she is not at all hungry, she throws a tantrum if dinner is not at 6pm. We offer to make her dinner...but she is completely undone if we don't all sit down with her and eat what she eats. Needless to say dinners are very stressful for all of us. I haven't enjoyed a meal at home in months. You would think this would lead to weight loss for me...wouldn't you? no such luck.