Sundowning

If you’re noticing that a loved one with dementia is sleeping more during the day, you’re in good company. Oversleeping in dementia is extremely common, and it can leave you wondering what’s normal and what’s not. One day, they seem engaged and alert, and the next, they’re dozing off mid-morning and struggling to stay awake through the afternoon.

It’s important to recognize that oversleeping in dementia is often a natural part of how the condition progresses. Still, that doesn’t make it any easier to watch. When someone you care about is spending more time asleep than awake, it can feel like you’re losing opportunities for connection. The good news is that there are reasons behind these changes, and there are ways to gently support more balanced, wakeful time during the day.

Factors Influencing Increased Daytime Sleepiness

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Learn what you should never say to someone with dementia, and what to say instead.

Have you ever said something you wish you hadn’t said? Maybe your intention was to compliment a friend on her new haircut, but you came across sounding like you were criticizing her previous hairstyle. Choosing our words carefully is always important, but even more so when speaking with someone with dementia. The words we say and the way we say them can significantly impact the person’s emotional well-being and quality of life. And it’s just as important to know what you should never say to someone with dementia.

If you’re unsure how to effectively defuse a dementia outburst in public, these strategies are for you!

Dementia is anything but predictable. A loved one’s mood, personality, and behaviors can shift without warning, making daily life feel like a constant balancing act. Managing these changes at home is one thing—but what about when you’re in a restaurant, grocery store, or waiting in line at the pharmacy; how should you handle a dementia outburst in public?