The most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are memory loss and forgetfulness, but there are many other effects for people with dementia, and one of the most neglected issues is sundowning. Sundowning refers to a state of restlessness, confusion or irritability that occurs in the late afternoon and early evening, typically around dinner time. During this time of day, it can be difficult to get a senior to go to bed or simply sit still. Learning more about sundowning can help you cope with the situation. And the results of light therapy are gaining recognition.
It’s well known that seniors with Alzheimer’s become increasingly restless as the sunlight fades, but the exact science behind this is still somewhat of a mystery. Many researchers believe that it is caused by changes in the brain related to Alzheimer’s that throw off the biological clock and puzzle the circadian rhythm.
There are also other factors that can potentially lead to sundowning. Depression, for example, can lead to trouble sleeping that may cause one to become agitated and anxious when other people are typically calming down for the evening. Excessive thirst or other unmet physical needs may cause one to become irritable, and can cause pain or simple boredom.
There are many ways a caregiver can help seniors find calm when sundowning sets in.
Preventing sundowning from occurring in the first place is the best option. One of the many unique aspects of Alzheimer’s care at Aegis Living is Life Enhancing Light Therapy, which was tested at the Aegis Living Bellevue.
Developed to diminish the effects of dementia and depression, this technique also helps ward off sundowning. The concept behind the strategy is that daily exposure to specific spectrums of light has the capacity to reduce anxiety and agitation. High-intensity track lighting exposes individuals to rays during breakfast and the early afternoon, simulating sunlight to keep seniors’ circadian rhythms in check. Each light provides residents with between 2,000 and 4,000 lux (a unit of illumination measurement). Dawn simulators inside individual apartments can help soothe residents to a place of serenity in the late afternoon as they prepare to end the day and retire to bed. Another element in light therapy intervention is the integration of tryptophan into residents’ diets. This amino acid is widely believed to aid in sleep. Seniors can also get their vitamin D levels checked regularly and receive foods high in vitamin B and omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients generally obtained through contact with sunlight.
Life enhancing light therapy can also moderate seasonal affective disorder and depression, other conditions that can lead to sundowning, as well as improving general mood and sleep schedules. In addition, it’s worth noting that preliminary studies on light therapy showed that light intervention worked to improve the quality of life among those who care for people with Alzheimer’s, and happier assisted living staff are better equipped to properly care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other conditions.
As noted earlier, there are plenty of other factors that can lead seniors to become restless in the late afternoon and early evening, and Aegis Living takes these circumstances into account. Residents of Aegis Living communities benefit from the community’s strong focus on keeping residents hydrated – water dispensers are located throughout the building to ensure seniors have easy access to fluids at all times of the day. This can greatly reduce instances of sundowning caused by unmet physical needs. Additionally, the attentive staff are cognizant of the symptoms of sundowning and trained to detect symptoms. That means if your mother is uncomfortable or irritated due to external factors, an Aegis Living staff member will be there to listen to her complaints and work to make her feel relaxed in her surroundings.
Another element that can help reduce instances of sundowning is the nurse care provided at all Aegis Living communities. Community Nurses, Care Directors and care staff who notice signs of sundowning can implement plans to support diminishing symptoms.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.