DEMENTIA CARE
Daylight Saving and Dementia
Although for many us it’s something fairly easy to adjust to, daylight saving time can be a very different story for someone with dementia. Here, Active Minds outlines five key things to note when supporting people living with dementia during this period.
The arrival of daylight saving time can affect everybody differently. For some, adjusting to the new time can be a simple process, although it can take a day or so for our bodies to adjust and our internal clock can be slightly confused for a little while.
For someone living with dementia, however, daylight saving time can present a myriad of concerns. In the UK, 2020 daylight saving time begins on 29th
March when the clocks go
forward for the summer time. The increase in daylight hours can confuse those living with dementia as days get longer and it becomes difficult to know the time based on increased daylight.
SUNDOWNING SYNDROME
Sundowning is a term used to describe the changes in behaviour that occur in the evening, around dusk, which is predominantly seen in those with dementia. It is generally associated with the effects of the clocks changing; more so when daylight
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saving begins. It can be characterised by increased confusion and irritability once the sun goes down. Whilst winter can be difficult as there is more time aſter the sun goes down, daylight saving can also compound the effects of sundowning as there is increased overstimulation and exhaustion caused by the long daylight hours. Confusion, irritability, mood swings, wandering, agitation and hallucinations can all be associated with sundowning syndrome.
CHANGING ROUTINES CAN BE CHALLENGING
A key thing to consider when caring for someone living with dementia is to encourage routine. Sticking to daily routines can help reduce confusion and agitation. However, with a change in daylight hours, comes a change in routine. Although only different by one hour, in terms of time, everything is different. Keeping routines as similar as possible is essential but some things will need to be adjusted; bathroom schedules and meal schedules being just two examples. For a few days
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