Home Care | Safety Issues | Daily Routines | Activities and Exercise | Behaviorial Problems | Incontinence | Choosing a Nursing Home | Residential Care | Caregiver Support | FAQs | More Information
Sleep Problems
For the exhausted caregiver, sleep can’t come too soon. For many people with AD, however, the approach of nighttime may be a difficult time. Many people with AD become restless, agitated, and irritable around dinnertime, often referred to as “sundowning” syndrome. Getting the person to go to bed and stay there may require some advance planning.
- Encourage exercise during the day and limit daytime napping, but make sure that the person gets adequate rest during the day because fatigue can increase the likelihood of late afternoon restlessness.
- Try to schedule more physically demanding activities earlier in the day. For example, bathing could be earlier in the morning, or large family meals could be at midday.
- Set a quiet, peaceful tone in the evening to encourage sleep. Keep the lights dim, eliminate loud noises, even play soothing music if the person seems to enjoy it.
- Try to keep bedtime at a similar time each evening. Developing a bedtime routine may help.
- Restrict access to caffeine late in the day.
- Use night lights in the bedroom, hall, and bathroom if the darkness is frightening or disorienting.
Hallucinations and Delusions
As the disease progresses, a person with AD may experience hallucinations and/or delusions. Hallucinations are when the person sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels something that is not there. Delusions are false beliefs from which the person cannot be dissuaded.
- Sometimes hallucinations and delusions are a sign of a physical illness. Keep track of what the person is experiencing and discuss it with the doctor.
- Avoid arguing with the person about what he or she sees or hears. Try to respond to the feelings he or she is expressing, and provide reassurance and comfort.
- Try to distract the person to another topic or activity. Sometimes moving to another room or going outside for a walk may help.
- Turn off the television set when violent or disturbing programs are on. The person with AD may not be able to distinguish television programming from reality.
- Make sure the person is safe and does not have access to anything he or she could use to harm anyone.
back to top
