Living with Dementia: What is Sundown Syndrome?

Dementia can change the way that not only seniors, but their family, live. It means planning ahead and taking more care in communicating and interacting. Some families may notice that their loved one tends to get more agitated or disoriented in the evening than during other times of the day. This is a condition that is often referred to as sundown or sundowner syndrome. Sometimes it is called sundowning. As the name implies, it generally occurs around the time the sun goes down and there is less light.

Not everyone with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease experiences sundown syndrome and doctors aren’t entirely sure yet what causes it. It can even occur in those without these conditions. They believe it has to do with the body’s circadian rhythm. Those with dementia or Alzheimer’s may have a shift in their internal clock that contributes to these changes in mood and behavior. Environmental and social factors may play a part as well.

Symptoms of sundown syndrome include:

• Confusion
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Pacing
• Disorientation
• Yelling
• Mood swings
• Restlessness

These symptoms may be triggered by too much activity during the day or changes in routine, fatigue, decreased light, hunger or thirst, or sleep problems. It can vary from person to person, but generally these symptoms become more noticeable in the late afternoon or evening hours.

Coping with Sundown Syndrome

Because it is not well known what causes the condition, methods of treating or preventing it are not as clear cut either. Seniors may respond differently to various approaches. Finding what works best for your loved one is key. You may have to try several things.

• Keeping a routine: Try to stick to a similar schedule each day. This includes wake and sleep times, meal times, and regular activities. Plan for more rigorous activities in the morning when your loved one is feeling better and more alert. Avoid naps during the day as this can contribute to sleep problems at night. A routine also helps to reduce confusion because your aging parent knows what to expect.
• Increasing light: Make the most of available light and keep rooms well lit in the evening hours. Night lights can help if they need to get up in the middle of the night. With more light, it can make navigating easier and help curb vision issues.
• Eating a well-balanced diet: Getting the proper amount of vitamins and nutrients as well as keeping stable blood sugar levels can support better health. This can help to reduce imbalances in the body and moderate mood. Avoid too much caffeine as well because it is a stimulant
• Create a quiet environment: Especially at night, try to reduce the amount of noise and activity that occurs. Encouraging relaxation and calmness at night can reduce agitation and irritability.

Having an in-home caregiver during these peak hours can make it easier for your senior to cope. The caregiver can maintain their regular routine, ensure they’re eating properly, and provide companionship and a reassuring presence. This can make evenings less stressful and more comfortable. Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville provides dementia care to assist your loved one in maintaining their independence in a safe and enjoyable way. Contact us at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online to find out more about how we can help.

Dealing with Cataracts to Support Better Vision

Cataracts are a very common vision problem that occurs with aging. They can cause cloudiness or blurriness in your vision and colors may be distorted. Fortunately cataracts are treatable and can be corrected with surgery. Sometimes surgery is not even necessary if more conservative methods are beneficial. June is Cataract Awareness Month and a great time to brush up on the details of this common vision problem.

What are cataracts?

A cataract occurs when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy and interferes with vision. It often occurs due to a buildup of protein on the lens over time. Protein occurs naturally within the eye. However, other conditions can also contribute to cataracts such as injuries to the eye, diabetes, steroid use, genetics, smoking, or certain eye diseases. They can occur in people of all ages though are more common in the elderly.

What are the symptoms?

Some seniors have cataracts but experience few symptoms. Their vision may not be impacted very much and minor adjustments can help them cope. Others may realize that images are blurrier or look cloudy or they have double vision. Colors may be distorted or not as vibrant as they once were. Some seniors experience sensitivity to bright lights and have trouble driving at night because of the glare from other drivers’ headlights. Another sign to watch for is frequent changes in the prescription for their glasses because their vision gets better and worse.

How are cataracts treated?

Some seniors benefit from glasses or using other vision aids such as magnifiers. They may be able to make small adjustments in how they do certain activities to accommodate for minor vision impairments. If their vision gets worse and it gets more difficult to carry out daily activities, surgery may be an option.

In cataract surgery, the surgeon will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear plastic intraocular lens. This new lens can improve their vision significantly. Light is able to pass easily through the lens and onto the retina and images become clearer and more focused.

Can cataracts be prevented?

While cataracts may not be able to be entirely prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce risk such as protecting the eyes when outside by wearing sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat, eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, and having regular eye exams to check for problems.

Living with Cataracts

Unless a cataract is seriously impairing vision, some seniors choose to simply live with them and make adjustments. They are monitored by their eye doctor to detect any changes and help prevent them from becoming more severe. Should they need surgery at a later time, their doctor can recommend it. Having an in-home caregiver can help seniors with activities of daily living and support them in remaining more independent while staying safe. Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville offers personalized care to meet each individual’s needs and provide the level of care they need. To find out more about how your loved one could benefit from assistance, call (828) 989-7263 or visit us online and schedule a consultation today.

Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

As the weather heats up it can be nice to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. There are plenty of summer activities to stay active such as walking, swimming, gardening, or golf. However, seniors should be cautious when spending too much time in the heat as it can take a toll on their body. Taking some precautions to stay safe and protect their health can go a long way.

• Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids but try to avoid caffeinated beverages which can increase dehydration. While water is recommended, also incorporate fruit juices or sports drinks to replenish sodium, potassium, and electrolytes which may be lost through sweat. Continue to drink even if you’re not feeling particularly thirsty, especially if spending longer periods of time outdoors.
• Check the air conditioning: Have someone come out and inspect your air conditioning to make sure it is working properly. If you don’t have air conditioning, use fans to circulate cooler air throughout the room. Also consider spending time at a public facility or friend’s house where there is air conditioning to stay cool and comfortable.
• Cover up: Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen when spending time outdoors. Rather than wearing synthetic fibers, put on light-colored cotton clothing that is loose and allows the skin to breathe while still protecting it from the sun. If you are alternating between indoors and outdoors, wear layers to help your body better adjust to temperature changes.
• Check in with someone: If you are planning on being outside, whether in the garden, taking a walk in the park, or enjoying an event, let someone know where you will be so they can check in. Family and friends should make it a point to check in more often when the temperatures rise to ensure loved ones are staying safe.
• Recognize heat stroke symptoms: Heat stroke can be very serious, so be aware of symptoms such as headache, lethargy, confusion, nausea, dry skin, and elevated heart rate. If you do experience any of these symptoms, seek medical treatment and get to a cool place out of the sun. Try to avoid being outside during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you are outside, make sure to find a place to cool down and limit strenuous activity.

It is also a good idea to check with your doctor about any medications you are on and how they may affect your sensitivity to heat or contribute to dehydration. You can still enjoy being outdoors as long as you are proactive in staying safe. An in-home care provider can also provide an extra level of protection by ensuring seniors’ homes are cool, they remember to keep hydrated, have companionship while out and about, and take steps to reduce risk of heat stroke. For more information about how your loved one can benefit from senior care services not just in the summer but all year round, contact Always Best Care of Asheville-Hendersonville at (828) 989-7263 or visit us online.