Sundowning in Alzheimer disease most commonly occurs during which time of day?

Sundowning in Alzheimer disease most commonly occurs during which time of day?

• A. Early morning
• B. Afternoon
• C. Night
• D. All day

Answer: (B)

Sundowning happens when confusion and agitation in dementia worsen as daylight fades, reflecting a disruption of the body’s circadian rhythms. The best answer—afternoon—captures the common window when these symptoms intensify as the day transitions toward evening. Early in the day, daylight and routines tend to help keep people more stable, while the pattern is episodic rather than constant, making all-day or night-time only patterns less typical. Managing this involves keeping a consistent daytime schedule, ensuring bright light exposure in the morning, limiting daytime naps, and creating a calm, well-lit environment in the late afternoon to evening.

Sundowning happens when confusion and agitation in dementia worsen as daylight fades, reflecting a disruption of the body’s circadian rhythms. The best answer—afternoon—captures the common window when these symptoms intensify as the day transitions toward evening. Early in the day, daylight and routines tend to help keep people more stable, while the pattern is episodic rather than constant, making all-day or night-time only patterns less typical. Managing this involves keeping a consistent daytime schedule, ensuring bright light exposure in the morning, limiting daytime naps, and creating a calm, well-lit environment in the late afternoon to evening.