Fall and Daylight Savings Time- Often a Challenge for Those with Dementia

Daylight Savings Time can often create challenges for those with Dementia. Any change in routine, especially turning our clocks back in the Fall can become stressful and taxing for those with cognitive impairment.

Many individuals with Dementia experience Sundowning, which can create symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, confusion and even agitation later in the afternoon, early evening, or at night. Turning the clocks back, with an earlier sunset can be disruptive to normal routines and patterns and trigger these symptoms and even make them more pronounced for a period of time. So what can a family member or caregiver do to make this easier for an individual with dementia?

Avoid the following which can be an additional trigger:

• A change of routine or envionment. Keep the schedule and routine familiar and easy to navigate. Keep a consistent schedule for bedtime, waking, meals, activities, etc.

• Fatigue - add an after lunch short nap or less stimulating activities in the later afternoon to limit cognitive taxing.

• Low lighting: Bring up the lights in the late afternoon and evening - limit low lighting and shadows.

You can also try:

• Increase natural light exposure in the am and afternoon. Natural light in the morning and afternoon can assist in regulating ones internal clock or circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality.

• Limit caffeine and sugar intake - only in am and never late in the day.

• Limit the length of daytime napping. Only a short nap in the afternoon if needed.

• Turn on a night light and limit shadows in the home to reduce stress and triggers that may occur when surroundings are dark or appearing unfamiliar.

• Try to reduce background noise and over stimulating activities. Sometimes even soft music or TV in the background can be distracting and to much when doing another activity or even eating.

• Create a frustration free, easy to navigate environment. Sometime a less is more approach can be best to avoid frustration and for safety. However, always try to draw on their past preserved memories when needed by adding key comfort items to their environment such as photographs, books, magazines, stuffed toys, accent pillows etc to support comfort, security and to create a more relaxed and calming environment.

• As the holiday season begins be mindful of holiday decor so that these items do not impact safety or create cognitive instability.

• In the evening play less engaging music and television - familiar music or even sounds of nature.

• Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that supports sleep. A low dose of melatonin may also help to reduce sundowning for some individuals.

Reach out if you need additional assistance as we are here to help!