Sundowners syndrome, also known as sundowning, is a condition often associated with the early stages of Alzheimer's, although a definitive connection has not been made. Sundowners syndrome can also be considered a mood disorder or even a sleep disorder. Sufferers experience periods of extreme agitation and confusion during the late afternoon or early evening hours, leading to irritability towards caregivers or hospital staff. It was once believed that sundowners syndrome was a result of missed day/night light cues, hence the sudden onset at sundown.

Sundowner’s Syndrome largely remains a mystery to medical science, although there are several theories about why these symptoms begin at night. More and more studies are being conducted to try to determine the exact cause.

While sundowners syndrome is still being studied, research indicates that the condition may be related to certain drug interactions or stress which is capable of interfering with cognitive function. This theory means that an elderly person may have more on their mind than their cognitive ability can handle. This results in the patient becoming full of negative thoughts and as a result being very irritable.

Sundowners occurs frequently in Alzheimer’s patients, although it can also be mistaken for the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or another cognitive deficit. The exact reason for the syndrome is not known, although several factors can contribute to its effects. Sundowning can be a temporary disorder in some people, or more prolonged in others, and is currently gaining more attention among health care professionals who see the syndrome’s effects in elderly hospital patients recovering from illness or surgery, as well as elders in nursing facilities.

Most professionals believe sundowning occurs only in elderly who exhibit symptoms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s Disease, but this may not always be the case. Dr. Maria Sullivan, associate professor of clinical psychiatry, at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, explained that all elderly people exhibit some age-related cognitive decline, even if it cannot be termed dementia. Therefore, even a minimal mental degeneration may predispose someone to sundowning.

Sundowners syndrome is confusion and agitation that may only appear or become worse in the evening. The exact cause of sundowners syndrome is not known. One theory hold that it may be the start of Alzheimer's disease. Some researchers believe it is related to sleep disorders.

Sundowner's is generally referred to in dementia-type writings. Sundowner's occurs at "sundown." The environment that your loved one was in during the day becomes confusing when it gets dark. They may become agitated, angry, or anxious. This may lead to wandering, pacing the floors, and showing of nervous behaviors.

Be aware of paranoid behavior and changes in language abilities. Some individuals may be unable to express their thoughts. If these symptoms seem to appear in the evening it may be a sign of sundowners syndrome. Notice if symptoms are getting progressively worse. Although research is very sketchy when it comes to Sundowners Syndrome some theories have been suggested: Unmet psychological needs due to the lower number of evening/night shift staff Disordered circadian rhythm Afternoon fatigue due to high levels of activity earlier in the day.