Sundowner’s Syndrome

Sundowner’s Syndrome—Causes, Symptoms, Suggestions

February 11th, 2008 by Lori Deschene

“The nights are the hardest.” I’ve heard this phrase from many people I’ve known—family members who’ve lost loved ones, friends recovering from addictions. Somehow in nighttime, with its relative quiet and vivid darkness, it’s nearly impossible to hide from one’s own mind. For people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, nighttime can be so much more than a bit too dark and quiet. In fact, sundown may be a trigger for extreme agitation and confusion...Read the rest of this article »

How to Improve the Quality of Life of an Elder with Dementia

January 28th, 2008 by Gilbert Guide

People with Alzheimer's or dementia can still lead meaningful, enjoyable lives. If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed, read on to learn about the many steps you can take to improve the quality of life of the person you care about. Things to Pay Attention To Environment Try to decipher whether problematic behaviors are a result of your loved one's environment. Consider the following issues when assessing the environment: Look for patterns of behavior. Something as...Read the rest of this article »

How to Deal with Combativeness

January 23rd, 2008 by Gilbert Guide

It's not uncommon for care recipients to display abusive behavior. Following are a few suggestions for caregivers dealing with combativeness. Gilbert Guide also offers tips on caring for patients with dementia. When Does It Happen? Although combative behaviors can seemingly come from nowhere, do not assume it is a simply personality trait. Are the combative outbursts tied to particular activities? Do they occur at specific times, such as late afternoons or evenings? Finding a common denominator may help you understand...Read the rest of this article »