How can a caregiver help an Alzheimers patient cope with sundown syndrome?
Here are some suggestions for helping a loved one with sundown syndrome cope: • Schedule the day so that the more difficult tasks are done early in the day, when the person is less likely to become agitated. • Watch the person’s diet and eating habits. Restrict sweets and drinks with caffeine to the morning hours. Try serving the person a late afternoon snack or early dinner. • To help the person relax, try decaffeinated herbal tea or warm milk. • Keep the house or room well lit. Close the drapes before the sun goes down so that the person doesn’t watch it become dark outside. • If the person falls asleep on the sofa or in a chair, let him or her stay there. Don’t wake the person to go to bed. • Try distracting the person with activities he or she enjoys. Soothing music or a favorite video may help, as well. • Encourage the person to engage in some physical activity — such as walking, if able — during the day. This may help him or her to sleep better at night.
