sundown syndrome and demetia?

[brynteg11]

My dad is 90 and has recently undergone a series of tests. From what my mum can tell me I think the diagnosis is Vascular Dementia. She's going to try and get a copy of the report for us to go through together. One of the things she is finding hardest to deal with is the change of personality at night time. My dad is passive, co-operative, happy, coherent and sleeps most of the day but is a different person at night. I've done some googling (don't worry I know not to worry about everything I read) but I think Sundown Syndrome (in addition to/as a result of the dementia) best describes what is happening but do appreciate that this seems to be an American idea.

Anyway what I wondering was - has anyone any experience of light therapy being used with people with dementia to help with sleep patterns. I was wondering if a SAD light/lamp would help. I had suggested a few weeks ago that mum try and get day to sit in/go out in the daylight more but that's hard for her when he doesn't want to go anywhere.

Thanks for any help/advice x

[right-then-petal]

Do'nt know about sad lights,But Daylight bulbs are fantastic in a room

[goldenangelanimal]

Have a read up on lack of vitamin D, it may be of some use to you,

[dairyview123]

We have a Dad who is now 88 and has spent the last 4 years in bed! we have tried everything possible to change him but he wont budge so we have now left him in peace with his telly as company!

I have his 'sad lamp' we bought him 4 years ago so that I can see to sew when the daylight has gone.

The lamp was hidden away in a cupbard the first chance he had to hide it! its burning electric he said....too bright for my eyes....cant sleep in the day with it on....any excuse he said it.

Dad definately has dementia, memory loss or whatever term they put on it, he can remember being in India in WW2 but cant remember if he has taken his tablets that morning or if anyone has visited that day:(

Its very sad to see him just laid in bed but if his mind has deteriated that much maybe he doesnt know he is being like it.

He loves morning telly and telly tubbies;) he sits and watches telly with the sound as low as it will go and he can tell you what its all about and if you believed him Tinky Winky has just read the news;)

[captainbovine]

oh bless Dairy....there will always be some thing to make you smile eh?

[hypnotherapee]

Hi Brynteg. My MIL suffered from Alzheimers and Vascular Dementia, and sun downing is an extremely common phenomenon in sufferers, although it can occur at any time of day or night in some.

I've no idea about light treatment, but what I found invaluable was joining the Alzheimer's Society website and logging onto their forum called Talking Point. There are hundreds of people there who understand all the inherent problems associated with this bl**dy awful disease! and I found their advice, support and experience invaluable.

Give it a go, you won't regret it for a minute and it makes you realise you aren't alone in coping with this.

[**streety**]

Was going to suggest the same as hypno has.  Sundowning is NOT an american thing.  It is recognised as a condition that those who live with forms of dementia can show signs of.   Often it's called sundowning as the person tends to become more irritable or upset at this time.  This can be for reasons to do with lack of light but also can be a reaction to tiredness which is more likely towards the end of the day.  However that also depends on the sleep cycle of someone with Dementia; we all know how that gets!

[mepixin12]

Hi, the most important thing you can do is ensure he is being seen and given medication, which should be of some help.

There are new studies looking into to this particular problem, most likely caused by the lack of normal melatonin levels, the study will attempt to gauge the effects of adding it. 

This will be in clinical trial mode obviously to begin with.  The good thing about this is, if it works for him and he improves, because of Ethics, even if it is not on the market for another ... say 2yrs, he will be entitled to continue it and for free.

He may even be offered this depending on where he is in the country and whether his GP works with trial studies or not.  Do not be put off by the word Trial or Research. 

He will only be put forward if well in himself, and he as a candidate  may benefit from this option.

You asked about light therapy, personally if it were my parent, I would try it, it may help it may not, everyone is different, it may help some, for others it is annoying.  

Even if 2 people have the same diagnosis for any ilness, it does not mean they will be or react exactly the same. Always ask questions, ask he is now not able to do this for himself.  Good luck, and bless.

[brynteg11]

thanks for your kind words of support and advice. My parents live in a retirement village and receive the best care and support anyone could wish for. They moved there nearly a year ago and at the time my dad was forgetful but not really showing signs of true dementia, however there has been a marked change in his behaviour ar night and a complete change in his sleeping pattern. In the day time he knows where he is, who everyone is etc although he forgets what day it is but he has no recollection of the things that have happened in the night.

The village has a Locksmith who works with people with dementia. She originally saw my dad when he first moved there so I expect she will be involved again. The main problem I have is that live 180 miles away so I'm supporting my mum with phone calls and regular visits in the school holidays. Once we get a copy of my dad's recent medical assessment I will contact the Locksmith again

This is her role for anyone who is interested

http://www.extracare.org.uk/work-for-us/roles-at-extracare/locksmith.aspx

[mepixin12]

Sounds good brynteg, as you say they seem to be well looked after, that in itself must be a great comfort to you being quite a distance away.  It's amazing though how just being on the end of a phone can put their mind especially your mum's at rest.  

Wishing both you and your parents the very best, take care.