End of daylight saving time brings 'sundowning' challenges for adults with dementia
When daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 6, one segment of Michigan’s population may be more affected than others.
The time change can be an adjustment for many, but for those living with dementia, it can lead to increased confusion and anxiety. DST ends at 2 a.m. Sunday. At that time, clocks will “fall back” one hour.
Karen Schelberg, care consultation director for Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter, said that for people living with Alzheimer’s — more than 6 million nationwide and around 190,000 in Michigan — the end of DST can bring increased effects of sundowning.
"(Sundowning) describes people with Alzheimer’s or dementia having difficulty with sleeping or increased confusion, anxiety, agitation and disorientation at dusk, sundown, and continuing through the night,” Schelberg said. “It’s not known what causes it, but it results from the disease’s impact on the brain.”
Because sunset occurs earlier in the day after the time change, sundowning can begin earlier and last longer.
“Oftentimes, that’s what sparks that confusion and disorientation,” Schelberg said.
The time change can also alter daily routines, which Schelberg said are “very important” for people living with dementia. Schelberg said maintaining routines — and shifting them earlier in the day to account for the earlier darkness — can help reduce the effects of sundowning.
“A routine that feels familiar can help to decrease confusion,” she said. “If a routine is in place, it can hopefully mitigate the effects of the time change.”
Other tips include keeping lights on, completing outdoor activities during the daylight hours and reducing stimulation in the evening.
Caregivers looking for additional tips, guidance or assistance should visit alz.org/gmc or call the Alzheimer’s Association Hotline at 1-800-272-3900.
“That’s a great number to call,” Schelberg said. “Especially if a loved one is experiencing some increased agitation and a caregiver doesn’t know what to do, they can call (at night) and talk with someone to brainstorm some ideas.”
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Awareness of the problem can help caregivers prepare, Schelberg said.
“I think being aware of how this shift could affect people and planning ahead, making those changes in routine to account for the time change and darkness, can really be helpful to caregivers,” she said.
— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Time change brings 'sundowning' challenges for Michiganders with dementia
