SUNDOWNING Meaning and
Definition
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Sundowning refers to a psychological phenomenon commonly observed in individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, where their symptoms and behavior worsen as the day transitions from daylight into evening or nighttime. Generally, during sundowning, the affected individuals may experience a range of distressing symptoms, such as restlessness, confusion, agitation, irritability, anxiety, and even aggression. These symptoms tend to worsen or become more pronounced in the late afternoon or early evening and may persist throughout the night, affecting their sleep patterns and overall well-being.
The exact cause of sundowning is not entirely understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to this condition. These include disruptions in the internal body clock or the circadian rhythm, fatigue or exhaustion from the day's activities, hunger or thirst, a decrease in natural light, or increased shadows and darkness that can contribute to confusion and disorientation. Additionally, sensory overload or environmental factors, such as loud noises or unfamiliar surroundings, can exacerbate sundowning symptoms.
Efforts to manage sundowning typically involve establishing a daily routine and maintaining a calm, soothing environment for affected individuals during the evening hours. Providing regular meals, maintaining hydration, ensuring proper lighting, minimizing noise, and engaging in relaxing activities can all help alleviate sundowning symptoms. Medication may also be prescribed in certain cases to help manage the behavioral symptoms associated with sundowning.
In conclusion, sundowning is a distressing condition characterized by worsening behavioral symptoms in individuals with dementia during the late afternoon and evening hours. Understanding and addressing the various contributing factors is crucial in effectively managing and improving the quality of life for those experiencing sundowning.
Common Misspellings for SUNDOWNING
- aundowning
- zundowning
- xundowning
- dundowning
- eundowning
- wundowning
- syndowning
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- suhdowning
- sunsowning
- sunxowning
- suncowning
- sunfowning
Etymology of SUNDOWNING
The word "sundowning" is derived from the phrase "sundown syndrome". It originated in the field of geriatric medicine and refers to a phenomenon occurring in people with dementia, particularly in the late afternoon or evening, when they experience increased confusion, restlessness, and agitation. The term "sundown syndrome" came into use in the early 20th century, describing the temporal association between the setting sun and the onset of symptoms. Over time, "sundowning" became a more commonly used term to refer to this specific condition.
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