Overlooked dementia symptom that is more obvious past midday

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A psychologist has explored a lesser-recognised sign of dementia and methods for patients to ease it. Dr Kellyn Lee, CEO of The Dementia Care Hub, observed that this symptom frequently intensifies during afternoon hours.

"This can happen at any time of day, but what we see a lot with people living with dementia is that it can happen in the afternoon," she said in a TikTok earlier this year. "So, what I would be looking at is this would be, again, a symptom of anxiety and agitation and maybe increased confusion."

Dr Lee is describing a phenomenon known as 'sundowning', where people with dementia typically exhibit more unpredictable behaviour during the afternoon and early evening. Throughout this timeframe, a person may feel especially distressed and could also encounter hallucinations and delusions.

While the precise triggers of sundowning remain uncertain, the Alzheimer's Society suggests that it is not necessarily connected to sunset. It is more likely affected by a person's immediate unaddressed requirements, which could encompass:

Disturbed hormone levels Side effects of prescribed drugs Sensory impairment, including sight loss Hunger, pain or other unmet physical needs Disturbance to the person's 'body clock' caused by damage to the brain Overstimulation during the daytime Overtiredness Lack of exposure to sunlight Lack of interaction with other people or carers (if relevant) Mood disorders, including anxiety and depression

"Sundowning can happen at any stage of dementia but is more common during the middle stage and later stages," guidance from Alzheimer's Society adds. "Some of these are related to the time of day, and others may happen at any time.

"Try to identify which of these problems might be affecting the person, as each problem may need a different treatment." If you suspect your loved one may be experie