sundowning

sundowning

[sun′douning]

Etymology: AS, sunne + ofdune, off the hill

a condition in which persons with cognitive impairment and elderly people tend to become confused or disoriented at the end of the day. Many of them have diminished visual acuity and varying degrees of sensorineural and conduction hearing loss. With less light, they lose visual cues that help them to compensate for their sensory impairments. It may also be a result of decreased sensory stimulation, especially in the evening, when there is less environmental activity and less structure. Sundowning is most common with dementia, Alzheimer's type, and is seen with delirium.

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Sundown Syndrome

A term for disorientation, agitation, or general worsening of mental symptoms classically described in the elderly at dusk or nightfall
Aetiology Sedatives, analgesics, hypnotics
Risk factors Dementia, organic brain syndrome, vision or hearing defects, dehydration, fatigue
Management Increase hydration, ensure adequate rest, reduce stress—i.e., do not test their memory, agree with them whenever possible

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sundowning [sun´doun-ing]

the appearance of confusion, agitation, and other severely disruptive behavior coupled with inability to remain asleep, occurring solely or markedly worsening at night; sometimes seen in older patients with dementia or other mental disorders.