Diverse Causes of Dementia

While Alzheimer’s disease is a leading factor, various other conditions contribute to the causes of dementia. These include:

• Degenerative Neurological Diseases: Besides Alzheimer’s, diseases like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, and certain types of multiple sclerosis, progressively worsen over time and lead to dementia.
• Vascular Disorders: These conditions, which impact blood circulation in the brain, can cause vascular dementia.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Injuries from accidents, falls, or concussions can lead to dementia.
• Infections of the Central Nervous System: Some infections, including meningitis, HIV, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, can result in dementia.
• Chronic Alcohol or Drug Use: Long-term substance abuse is another contributing factor.
• Hydrocephalus: A buildup of fluid in the brain can also lead to dementia.

Certain reversible conditions can mimic dementia symptoms, including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid hormone imbalances, and substance use disorders. Addressing these underlying issues can often improve cognitive function.

Risk Factors for Dementia

The risk of developing dementia increases with age, but it’s not solely an age-related condition. Genetics also play a role, with family history being a notable risk factor. Other contributing factors include chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea, as well as lifestyle choices such as smoking, heavy alcohol use, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Brain injuries and certain infections can also elevate the risk.

1. Lighting Adjustments 

Why It’s Important: Dimly lit areas can be disorienting and even frightening for someone with dementia. Adequate lighting can minimize shadows that might be perceived as threats and reduce the risk of tripping. 

Quick Fix: Increase the wattage of existing bulbs and add more lamps in areas frequented during the evening. Ensure that hallways and staircases are well-lit, especially during nighttime. 

Extensive Modification: Install motion-sensor lights, especially in bathrooms and hallways. This modification ensures that rooms light up automatically when your loved one enters, reducing the need to fumble for switches.

2. Color Contrast and Visual Aids  

Why It’s Important: As dementia progresses, it can affect visual perception. High contrast can help in distinguishing objects and can act as a visual aid. 

Quick Fix: Use brightly colored tape to mark the edges of steps or stairs. Place contrasting placemats under plates to make meals easier to see. 

Extensive Modification: Repaint walls in soft, calming hues and ensure that door frames and doors are contrasting colors. This step helps in easily identifying entrances and exits. 

3. Reduced Trip Hazards 

Why It’s Important: Dementia can affect motor skills and balance. To prevent falls, you should eliminate tripping hazards. 

Quick Fix: Secure all rugs with non-slip backings or remove them entirely. Clear pathways in rooms, ensuring they’re free of clutter. 

Extensive Modification: Consider installing handrails in hallways and in areas where your loved one spends the most time. Replace flooring with non-slip alternatives. 

4. Designated Safe Spaces 

Why It’s Important: An environment with too much stimulation can be overwhelming. A simplified space can reduce agitation and confusion. 

Quick Fix: Declutter rooms, removing unnecessary furniture and decorations. Label drawers and cabinets with clear words or pictures indicating their contents. 

Extensive Modification: Convert one room into a “safe space” filled with familiar items, soft lighting, and calming colors. This space can act as a retreat when feeling overwhelmed. 

5. Technology Integration  

Why It’s Important: The integration of new technology is a core principle of our mission. Introducing new technology to our clients, caregivers, and in the office will provide better care for our seniors. That’s why integrating technology can enhance care and provide safety. 

Quick Fix: Use simple alarm systems or door chimes to alert you when a door opens. Install easy-to-use nightlights in essential areas. 

Extensive Modification: Integrate smart home systems that allow you to monitor room temperatures, control lighting, or even keep an eye on movement patterns to ensure safety. 

Key Takeaways for Dementia Assistance

These are just a few of the best ways to handle a sundowning senior with dementia care at home. Caring for a loved one with dementia requires understanding and adapting to their needs and limitations.

By implementing these best practices and consulting healthcare professionals specializing in dementia care, you can provide the support and care your loved one needs, improving their quality of life and well-being.

Patience is always necessary during the more challenging times. These tips we’ve shared above can help your loved one feel safe and secure during this time.

Remember that you may want to seek medical advice if you are particularly struggling with this time. There may be other underlying reasons for these symptoms. Fortunately, our 24/7 elderly care team can support you with any questions about dementia. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for further information.

1) Listen to What They’re Saying

No matter how challenging it can be to provide hourly care for a family member or friend with dementia, you must do your best to remain patient and listen to their words. Sometimes there are hidden emotions behind what they are trying to say, especially when making unusual requests.

Often, what they say expresses their loneliness or fear, which are common issues for sundowning seniors. Anger and frustration are also frequently expressed through other statements.

Still, by listening carefully, you’ll be able to find ways to calm them down and understand what they are experiencing.

2) Reduce Noise and Clutter Around the House

Noise, clutter, and too many people can all aggravate a sundowning senior with dementia. Do your best to reduce distractions and minimize the visual stress this may cause your loved one.

Home care assistance starts by making your loved one’s environment easier to manage. We recommend keeping the number of family members and friends to a minimum during this time.

This step can only increase their anxiety and stress levels when too many people try to talk simultaneously.

3) Find a Simple Task to Distract Them

Distraction techniques are a good way to help a sundowning senior. We recommend offering them a snack or drink they particularly enjoy or finding them a TV show they love watching repeatedly.

Some people find that a simple task such as folding a towel can help at this time, as it will take their mind off the time of the day.

Whatever you do, avoid anything like watching the news on TV. This program can increase anxiety and decrease their chance of relaxing and sleeping.

4) Plan Early Evening Quiet Time

The early evening must be a quiet time for in-home senior care, who will appreciate getting into a routine at this time.

What they enjoy doing may vary based on their interests, but going for a walk or listening to some calming music are great options. Memory care assisted living programs use these benefits to help seniors maintain healthy habits.

Others may enjoy reading or talking to a familiar friend on the phone. Finding a soothing activity will help you prevent sundowning symptoms and retain control during this time.

5) Engage in Light Exercise

One of the most common reasons for feeling restless in the late afternoon and early evening is becoming too tired. The best way to avoid this is to get outside or sit by a window to get exposure to bright light.

It would be best to encourage a sundowning senior to do daily physical activity to prevent these symptoms, which can be as simple as a gentle walk.

Make sure they are getting enough sleep at night-time as well. While seniors can rest during the day, ensure their naps are short and don’t fall too late in the afternoon.

6) Monitor Your Room Lighting

One of the best ways to prevent sundowning symptoms in the daytime is to let in as much natural light as possible. When it comes to the evening, it’s time to switch to softer room lighting.

Consider installing inexpensive smart lightbulbs that can automate when the lighting changes. These simple switches can make a huge difference to how the home looks and feels, relaxing them as you head into the early evening.

Private home dementia care is one solution that can help you monitor ambient light. Caregivers can follow a daily routine to make transitioning to evenings much smoother.

7) Create a Safe Space at Home

Your home should always feel like a safe space, which is even more important for dementia patients. Try to create a safe space where your family member can walk around without tripping over any obstructions.

A sundowning senior will often feel restless and may want to pace around the living room. You could even secure the backyard during the summer months, so long as you can keep an eye on them from where you sit inside.

Some people will also prefer to have you walk with them, which helps them feel more secure and less lonely during this time. Live-in care services can provide companionship in these difficult times.

8) Follow a Pre-Bedtime Routine

Everyone could benefit from a pre-bedtime routine, and this is no truer than for in-home senior care. Memory care assisted living often helps seniors with wind-down routines.

It’s hard to go from doing normal daytime activities to switching off your mind to sleep. Make sure you stack a few calming activities to help them transition.

Start by switching off any music and TV shows that are too noisy, and consider using a relaxing room spray around the home. Everyone has a different activity they’ll enjoy before bed. Reading and other quiet activities are a good way to help relax as part of pre-bedtime private home care.

Key Takeaways for Dementia Home Care

These are just a few of the best ways to handle a sundowning senior with dementia care at home. Caring for a loved one with dementia requires understanding and adapting to their needs and limitations.

By implementing these best practices and consulting healthcare professionals specializing in dementia care, you can provide the support and care your loved one needs, improving their quality of life and well-being.

Patience is always necessary during the more challenging times. These tips we’ve shared above can help your loved one feel safe and secure during this time.

Remember that you may want to seek medical advice if you are particularly struggling with this time. There may be other underlying reasons for these symptoms. Fortunately, our 24/7 elderly care team can support you with any questions about dementia. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for further information.