How To Cope With Sundowner Syndrome?
Dementia and forms of dementia do not have a cure yet. However, the treatment focuses on the well being of the patient. The absence of treatment is a challenge as there is a various factor that determines the mental well being of the patient. Dementia is a multiple disease syndrome, and it covers a variety of conditions which includes Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a general term that causes several abnormal brain changes. Therefore, it causes cognitive inabilities, visual impairments, and this affects ones ability to perform daily chores independently.
Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may find it hard to cope with changes in the late afternoon or early evening. This syndrome is called a Sundown syndrome. For most patients, fading of light can be a trigger and as the night goes on the condition keeps getting worse. However, they feel better by morning. If your loved ones suffer from sundowner syndrome, ensure to appoint a carer who can take care of them by keeping them calm and composed.
The following tips can help your loved ones cope with sundown syndrome:
Create a daily time table and ensure to follow the schedule to help them cope with everyday activities. Set a regular schedule for their meals, walking, meditations, outings, bath, and sleep. When you follow the routine to helps them cope with their stress.
Ensure that their sleep cycle is not affected
Do not let them consume any caffeine products in the noon. Ensure they do not intake any alcohol or smoke. Prepare heavy lunch and ensure that they eat smaller meals for the night.
Ensure that Evenings are clam
Close the curtains, and switch on a bright light to ensure that there is no darkness or shadow effect around the house. Set the temperature of the room that suits their comfort and ensure that the family members and loved ones maintain a clam environment around the house.
Studies show that music helps maintain a calm composure in the minds of the dementia patients. Therefore, ensure that you play relaxing music in the evenings and help maintain a peaceful environment around the house.
There are more than 60% of the people who are affected by different types of dementia. Vascular dementia is one of them, and it causes microscopic bleeding, it affects the blood vessels in the brain. Several challenges affect elderly suffering from dementia, and it is crucial to find a carer for your loved ones who understand their needs and support healthy living .