Many people associate Alzheimer’s with memory loss, but a unknown symptom called sundowning syndrome can lead to intense confusion, anxiety, agitation, and behavioral changes in the late afternoon and evening. This nighttime distress is popular in individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Why Does Sundowning Happen?
Several reasons contribute to sundowning, including:
1. Disrupted Circadian Rhythm
Alzheimer’s disease impacts on the brain’s suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)—the area responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. As a result, the body struggles to know the difference between day and night, leading to sleep disturbances and nighttime confusion.
2. Fatigue & Mental Exhaustion
By evening, the brain has worked hard to process and interpret the day’s events. In Alzheimer’s patients, cognitive fatigue can lead to frustration, confusion, and increased agitation as the day progresses.
3. Low Light & Shadow Perception Issues
As the sun sets, dim lighting and shadows can create hallucinations or paranoia. The brain’s ability to correctly process visual input deteriorates, leading to misinterpretations—such as mistaking shadows for intruders or imagining objects that aren’t there.
4. Hunger, Thirst, or Physical Discomfort
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