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@ocdogmom thank you very much for sharing your experience with me. I'm sorry you're experiencing the same. Yes, it's so sad watching our love ones disappear from us and living in fear of what's going to happen next. I'm going to start much notebook as you stated. I've been trying to remember so many things but lately it's gotten to be too much. With his doctor appointments and mine and everything else, it be much better to keep a notebook with me all the time. I'm also watching the sundowners change when 5 pm comes around, to see any changes in him. I don't understand how sundowners makes them change. I've asked the memory doctor but they don't know why that happens. We're having our son and his family over for Christmas but pretty nervous on how will go. I just pray we can get through the day without much or any incidents. Thank you again for your understanding and advice. Blessings to you.

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Replies to "@ocdogmom thank you very much for sharing your experience with me. I'm sorry you're experiencing the..."

@summer091111
Reasons for Sundowning
Due to damage of a specific area of the brain:
1. Sleep- wake cycle- The natural sleep- wake cycle is disrupted.
2. Hormone release due to low light exposure is disrupted. Confusing shadows may appear.
3. Overstimulation: A busy or noisy environment during the day can lead to mental fatigue.
4. Physical problems that are not recognized: Hunger, thirst, or pain.
5. Energy requirements: The damaged brain needs much more energy to work during the day.

Helpful hints:
Lights: Brighter lights at night
Relaxation: Quiet Rest time in the afternoon
Food: High energy snacks at sundown or smaller meals every 2-4 hours.
Medications
Massage

Equate sun downing to a baby or toddler's 5:00 pm crying for no particular reason.