How do I help my mother with Sundowners

SueM
SueMon August 27, 2017
1 Comment
When it gets to 4pm in the afternoon my mother starts crying, nothing in particular sets her off. She says horrible things about whoever is the target of the day usually her husband. She makes things up and says he won't give her dinner or give her pills both of which I definitely know are untrue. She seems to have no control over this. It does seem to pass after a few hours but sometimes it doesn't. She sees a psychologist and is on a low dose antidepressant. She had two strokes one in late 2013 and then in 2015. We want to help so any advice would be appreciated.
1 Responses
StrokeLine avatar
StrokeLine

Hi Sue,

I'm sorry to hear about your mother's stroke and the episodes that you are describing.

Sundowners Syndrome (Sundowning) - agitation, low mood, and changes in behaviour and thinking that occur before dark, is not commonly associated with stroke, but rather dementia. 

 

I'm glad to hear that she is seeing a psychologist. She may also benefit from a full medical examination and medication review. Speak to her doctor about this, as well as whether a referral to a neurologist is warranted.

Finding the cause of your mother's Sundowning is an important step to getting the best management. 

Alzheimer's Australia gives some practical strategies on how to reduce the severity of Sundowning symptoms on their website.

 

If we can be of any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our team of health professionals on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST).

 

Best wishes,

Alana - StrokeLine

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