Three Ways to Identify Sundowner's Syndrome
We have all experienced memory loss or forgetfulness. However, as people age, they begin to wonder if their forgetfulness has a more sinister meaning than a simple lapse in memory. They begin to worry about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other serious cognitive disabilities, such as Sundowner’s Syndrome.
Symptoms of Sundowner’s Syndrome include:
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Extreme irritability
• Confusion
• Mood swings
• Disorientation
• Wandering
Three key factors allowing us to distinguish between Sundowner’s Syndrome and normal age-related memory loss are:
1. The onset of the behavior is predictable, in that it occurs late in the day but does not seem to be a problem earlier in the day.
2. The symptoms go well beyond those of simply forgetting where you set your keys. That is, the individual with Sundowner’s Syndrome loses touch, albeit temporarily, with reality.
3. The symptoms impact one’s daily activities and ability to function normally.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from Sundowner’s Syndrome, you may benefit by calling your doctor. For further information, visit our previous post on Sundowner’s Syndrome, or read what the Alzheimer’s Association has to say about the issue.
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Advocacy and Education and Alzheimer's and Dementia