For those caring for someone with dementia, it can be especially difficult to manage their symptoms at night. If you’ve noticed that your loved one’s dementia gets worse at night, it’s important to understand why and what types of memory care in Denver, NC, can help ease their symptoms. Let’s take a closer look at the causes of nighttime dementia and how memory care in Denver, NC, can help manage these symptoms.
The Causes Of Nighttime Dementia
When someone is living with dementia, their cognitive abilities often decline as the day goes on. This is called “sundowning syndrome,” which is when someone starts to act differently as the day goes on or after the sun goes down. Sundowning is a symptom of dementia that causes an increase in confusion or agitation in the late afternoon and evening. It is believed to be caused by a combination of factors such as fatigue, anxiety, changes in light or temperature, hunger or thirst, sleep disturbances, and changes in routine. While the exact cause of sundowning is still unknown, experts believe that it may be related to the body’s circadian rhythm—the internal clock that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. These behaviors are particularly common among people who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia and can make caring for them at night especially difficult.
There are many possible explanations for why sundowning occurs. One theory says that when the sun goes down, less light causes the hormone that controls sleep, melatonin, to be released. This may make people with dementia confused and irritable. People have also said that sundowning could be caused by tiredness from not being mentally stimulated enough during the day or by an increase in pain sensitivity from not moving around enough during the day. Whatever the cause, sundowning can make life more challenging for those living with dementia and their caregivers.
How Memory Care In Denver, NC Can Help
Fortunately, there are ways to help ease some of these nighttime symptoms and make life easier for both those living with dementia and their caregivers. At Memory Care of Denver, NC, we offer specialized programs designed specifically to address sundown syndrome, including activities such as music therapy and light therapy lamps that simulate natural sunlight exposure during the evening hours. We also provide sensory activities like aromatherapy and massage therapy to help promote relaxation among our residents so that they can get a good night’s sleep without feeling agitated or have caregiver support programs so that the families of our residents can learn how to deal with sundowning behaviors at home..
When your loved one is suffering from dementia, it can be difficult to understand why their symptoms seem to get worse at night. This phenomenon is known as “sundowning,” and it’s a common issue for those with dementia. Fortunately, there are ways that you can help manage this symptom and provide your loved one with the best possible care. Here’s what you need to know about why dementia gets worse at night and how memory care in Denver, NC can help.
How Can I Help My Loved One With Sundowning?
The best way to help your loved one with sundowning is to create a comfortable environment for them. Make sure their room is well lit during the day and dimly lit at night since bright lights can cause confusion or agitation. Make sure they get plenty of exercise during the day so they are physically tired when it comes time for bed; this will also help them stay on a regular schedule which can reduce sundowning symptoms. Make sure meals are healthy and regular as well since hunger or thirst can also trigger sundowning symptoms. Finally, make sure they have plenty of activities throughout the day so they don’t become bored which could lead to sundowning behavior.
How Does Memory Care In Denver NC Help?
Memory care centers in Denver NC specialize in providing high quality care for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These centers are equipped with experienced staff members who understand how to work with patients who suffer from dementia-related issues like sundowning. They offer specialized programs designed specifically for these patients which include activities such as music therapy, art therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, cognitive stimulation exercises, relaxation techniques ,and more . All these activities help keep patients engaged during the day so that they don’t become agitated or confused at night due to boredom or lack of stimulation . Memory care centers also provide 24-hour supervision so that any problems that arise due to sundowning can be addressed quickly and efficiently .
Dementia can be a challenging condition for both patients and caregivers alike but understanding why it gets worse at night can help you better manage it and provide your loved one with better care. Nighttime can be an especially difficult time for those living with dementia and their caregivers alike but understanding why sundowning occurs and seeking out professional memory care services like those offered by Memory Care In Denver, NC can help alleviate some of these symptoms and make things easier on everyone involved! If you have any questions about how we might be able to help your loved one manage their nightly dementia symptoms don’t hesitate to reach out today! We would love to answer any questions you have about our memory care services here in Denver!
