Sundowning is a psychological phenomenon associated with
increased confusion and restlessness in patients with some form
of dementia. Most commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease,
but also found in those with mixed dementia, the term
"sundowning" was coined due to the timing of the patient's
confusion. For patients with sundowning syndrome, a multitude of
behavioral problems begin to occur in the evening or while the
sun is setting. Sundowning seems to occur more frequently during
the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease and mixed dementia.
Patients are generally able to understand that this behavioral
pattern is abnormal. Sundowning seems to subside with the
progression of a patient's dementia. Research shows that 20–45%
of Alzheimer's patients will experience some sort of sundowning
confusion. Symptoms are not limited to but may include: -
Increased general confusion as natural light begins to fade and
increased shadows appear. - Agitation and mood swings. Patients
may become fairly frustrated with the