{"id":3061,"date":"2021-05-04T19:05:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-05T01:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/civitasseniorl.wpenginepowered.com\/legacy-oaks-of-azle\/what-is-sundowners-syndrome\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T16:01:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T22:01:23","slug":"what-is-sundowners-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/legacy-oaks-of-azle\/what-is-sundowners-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Sundowner\u2019s Syndrome and How to Manage Caregiving"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3061\" class=\"elementor elementor-3061\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-daba0a8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"daba0a8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd10d47 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dd10d47\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>As a caregiver for someone with dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s, you\u2019ve likely noticed patterns in their behavior throughout the day, leading you to wonder, what is sundowner\u2019s syndrome?<\/p><p>Sundowning is a common phenomenon where confusion, agitation, and behavioral changes intensify during late afternoon and evening hours as daylight fades.<\/p><p>These changes affect individuals in mid-to-late stages of Alzheimer\u2019s and other forms of dementia.<\/p><p>While the exact causes remain unclear, researchers believe disruptions to the body\u2019s natural circadian rhythm play a significant role. Reduced lighting, accumulated fatigue from the day, and changes in the brain\u2019s internal clock all contribute to increased confusion and distress as evening approaches.<\/p><p>Understanding what sundowning means and how to respond helps caregivers provide better support while reducing their own stress during these challenging hours.<\/p><figure id=\"attachment_11969\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11969\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"blog-80 wp-image-11969 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/legacy-oaks-of-azle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/04\/civitas-what-is-sundowners-syndrome.webp\" alt=\"Sundowner\u2019s Syndrome: Caregiving Guide | Civitas Senior Living\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/legacy-oaks-of-azle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/04\/civitas-what-is-sundowners-syndrome.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/legacy-oaks-of-azle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/04\/civitas-what-is-sundowners-syndrome-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/legacy-oaks-of-azle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/04\/civitas-what-is-sundowners-syndrome-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/legacy-oaks-of-azle\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/04\/civitas-what-is-sundowners-syndrome-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-11969\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Civitas Senior Living communities support residents experiencing sundowning syndrome in The Cottage memory care neighborhoods, where specialized training and structured routines help manage evening confusion and agitation.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Understanding Sundowning in Seniors<\/h2><p>Sundowning refers to a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, anxiety, and behavioral changes that emerge in late afternoon or evening. The term comes from the timing, with symptoms appearing as the sun begins to set, though they can persist throughout the night.<\/p><p>Sundowning in the elderly with dementia manifests differently than typical evening tiredness.<\/p><p>While anyone might feel fatigued as the day progresses, sundowning due to dementia creates marked behavioral shifts that seem disproportionate to simple exhaustion.<\/p><h2>Will My Loved One Experience Sundowning?<\/h2><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11856004\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Research varies widely<\/a>, with studies showing anywhere from 1.6% to 66% of people with dementia experience sundowning. This broad range reflects differences in how sundowning is defined and measured. Not everyone with dementia develops these symptoms, and for those who do, severity and frequency vary considerably.<\/p><h3>When Sundowning Typically Occurs<\/h3><ul><li>Late afternoon between 4 and 6 p.m.<\/li><li>Early evening as darkness sets in<\/li><li>Throughout nighttime hours, in some cases<\/li><li>During shorter winter days with less natural light<\/li><li>In unfamiliar locations like hospitals or new living spaces<\/li><\/ul><h2>Common Symptoms of Sundowning With Dementia<\/h2><p>Recognizing sundowning symptoms helps caregivers distinguish between typical evening tiredness and dementia-related behavioral changes requiring specific interventions.<\/p><h3>Early Sundowning Signs Include<\/h3><ul><li>Confusion about time, place, or familiar people<\/li><li>Increased anxiety and nervousness<\/li><li>Pacing or restlessness<\/li><li>Following caregivers closely and shadowing their movements<\/li><li>Asking repeated questions without processing answers<\/li><li>Sadness or withdrawal<\/li><li>Difficulty following simple directions<\/li><li>Rapid mood shifts<\/li><\/ul><h3>More Severe Symptoms of Sundowner\u2019s and Dementia<\/h3><ul><li>Wandering behavior and attempts to leave<\/li><li>Paranoia or suspicion toward familiar people<\/li><li>Visual or auditory hallucinations<\/li><li>Hiding belongings or accusing others of theft<\/li><li>Verbal or physical aggression<\/li><li>Complete disorientation<\/li><\/ul><p>These symptoms can appear unpredictable. One evening might bring defiance and refusal to cooperate with bedtime routines. The next might involve sadness and unresponsiveness. This variability makes sundowning in seniors particularly challenging for caregivers to manage.<\/p><h3>Why Do Dementia Symptoms Get Worse at Night?<\/h3><p>Several factors contribute to increased confusion and agitation during evening hours for individuals with dementia.<\/p><ul><li><strong>Disrupted circadian rhythms:<\/strong> Dementia damages the brain\u2019s internal clock, making it harder to distinguish day from night. This confusion intensifies as natural light decreases.<\/li><li><strong>Accumulated fatigue:<\/strong> Mental and physical exhaustion builds throughout the day. By evening, diminished energy reserves make it harder for individuals with dementia to manage confusion and regulate emotions.<\/li><li><strong>Reduced lighting:<\/strong> Shadows and darkness can create visual misinterpretations. Familiar objects appear threatening. Reduced visibility increases disorientation and fear.<\/li><li><strong>Overstimulation during the day:<\/strong> Too much activity, noise, or interaction earlier in the day can overwhelm cognitive processing abilities, with effects manifesting hours later as agitation.<\/li><li><strong>Medication timing:<\/strong> Some medications cause drowsiness or confusion that peaks at certain times, potentially coinciding with evening hours.<\/li><li><strong>Caregiver exhaustion:<\/strong> Family caregivers naturally feel more tired in the evening. This fatigue can affect patience and responsiveness, which individuals with dementia perceive and react to with increased anxiety.<\/li><\/ul><h2>How Can I Help a Loved One With Sundowning?<\/h2><p>Managing sundowning requires patience, consistency, and strategies addressing multiple contributing factors. Every person with dementia responds differently, so expect to try various approaches before finding what works best.<\/p><ul><li><strong>Establish consistent daily routines:<\/strong> Predictability reduces anxiety by helping individuals anticipate what comes next. Schedule meals, activities, and rest periods at the same times daily. Avoid disruptions to established patterns when possible.<\/li><li><strong>Maximize natural light exposure:<\/strong> Morning and afternoon sunlight help regulate circadian rhythms. Open curtains during daylight hours. Take walks outside when the weather permits. In winter months or cloudy conditions, consider full-spectrum light therapy lamps.<\/li><li><strong>Reduce late-day stimulation:<\/strong> Limit visitors, phone calls, television, and activities that require concentration in the late afternoon and evening. Create calm, quiet spaces that promote relaxation rather than engagement.<\/li><li><strong>Adjust evening lighting: <\/strong>As natural light fades, increase indoor lighting to eliminate shadows that trigger confusion or fear. Use night-lights in hallways and bathrooms to reduce disorientation if your loved one wakes during the night.<\/li><li><strong>Create calming bedtime rituals:<\/strong> Establish soothing routines signaling it\u2019s time to wind down. This might include warm baths, gentle music, light stretching, or familiar prayers. Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening hours.<\/li><li><strong>Provide emotional reassurance:<\/strong> When confusion or agitation appears, respond with calm, gentle redirection rather than correction. Validate feelings even when perceptions aren\u2019t accurate. Your tone and demeanor often matter more than your words.<\/li><li><strong>Maintain physical comfort: <\/strong>Ensure a comfortable room temperature, appropriate clothing, and bathroom needs are addressed before symptoms typically begin. Discomfort exacerbates confusion and agitation.<\/li><li><strong>Ask for support:<\/strong> It is essential for family caregivers to utilize support groups, respite care, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/blog\/memory-care-and-supportive-services\/\">memory care<\/a>. Giving up caregiving duties is not a sign of failure. It is an act of love.<\/li><\/ul><h2>Supporting Individuals With Sundowning in The Cottage<\/h2><p>At Civitas Senior Living communities, our memory care neighborhood, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/living-options\/memory-care\/\">The Cottage<\/a>, creates living spaces specifically designed to reduce sundowning triggers while supporting residents experiencing these challenging symptoms.<\/p><p>Our approach reflects that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/blog\/dementia-and-identity\/\">dignity never retires<\/a>, even when cognitive abilities change. Team members receive specialized training to recognize early signs of sundowning and respond with person-centered approaches that reduce distress rather than simply manage behaviors.<\/p><p>Consistent daily rhythms provide the predictability that helps regulate circadian patterns. Abundant natural lighting throughout the day supports healthy sleep-wake cycles. As evening approaches, lighting gradually adjusts to minimize abrupt transitions that can cause confusion.<\/p><p>Activities programming follows patterns that engage residents during optimal hours while allowing for rest and reduced stimulation as the afternoon progresses. This intentional scheduling recognizes that overstimulation contributes to evening agitation.<\/p><p>Because <a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/signature-programs\/passion-program\/\">passion is our purpose<\/a>, our teams understand that sundowning reflects dementia progression rather than personality changes or deliberate difficulty. This perspective shapes compassionate responses that honor each resident\u2019s inherent dignity while addressing behaviors threatening their comfort or well-being.<\/p><h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-66965fe e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"66965fe\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22dbe1f uael-faq-box-layout-yes align-at-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-uael-faq\" data-id=\"22dbe1f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"uael-faq.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div id='uael-faq-wrapper-365' class=\"uael-faq-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-faq-container uael-faq-layout-accordion\" data-layout=\"accordion\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"uael-accordion-0cc63a9\" class=\"uael-faq-accordion\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class= \"uael-accordion-title\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"tab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon uael-accordion-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-question-0cc63a9 uael-question-span\" tabindex=\"0\" id=\"uael-faq-1-6a112345617d7\">What is sundowner\u2019s syndrome exactly?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-accordion-content\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><p>Sundowner\u2019s syndrome, also called sundowning, describes increased confusion, agitation, anxiety, and behavioral changes occurring in late afternoon and evening hours among individuals with dementia. Symptoms typically worsen as natural light decreases and can continue throughout the night.<\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"uael-accordion-c097822\" class=\"uael-faq-accordion\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class= \"uael-accordion-title\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"tab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon uael-accordion-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-question-c097822 uael-question-span\" tabindex=\"0\" id=\"uael-faq-2-6a11234561833\">Does everyone with dementia experience sundowning?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-accordion-content\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><p>No. Research shows anywhere from 1.6% to 66% of people with dementia experience sundowning, with wide variation reflecting how symptoms are defined and measured. Not all individuals develop these patterns, and among those who do, severity differs significantly.<\/p><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"uael-accordion-274b051\" class=\"uael-faq-accordion\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class= \"uael-accordion-title\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"tab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon uael-accordion-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-question-274b051 uael-question-span\" tabindex=\"0\" id=\"uael-faq-3-6a1123456188d\">Can sundowning be prevented?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-accordion-content\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>While sundowning can\u2019t always be prevented, its severity can often be reduced through consistent routines, adequate light exposure, reduced evening stimulation, and addressing physical discomfort. Professional memory care settings designed around these principles may help minimize symptoms.<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"uael-accordion-1181cbd\" class=\"uael-faq-accordion\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class= \"uael-accordion-title\" aria-expanded=\"false\" role=\"tab\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon uael-accordion-icon-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-angle-up\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uael-question-1181cbd uael-question-span\" tabindex=\"0\" id=\"uael-faq-4-6a112345618ca\">What should I do when sundowning behaviors occur?<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-accordion-content\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Respond with calm reassurance rather than correction. Validate feelings even when perceptions aren\u2019t accurate. Reduce stimulation in the living space. Provide gentle redirection to calming activities. Ensure physical comfort needs are met. If behaviors threaten well-being, consult healthcare providers about additional interventions.<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ad33c3 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6ad33c3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87a38be elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"87a38be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Understanding and Managing Sundowning<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>\nSundowning in the elderly with dementia creates real challenges for family caregivers. However, understanding what triggers these symptoms and how to respond makes caregiving more manageable. \n<\/p>\n<p>\nThe strategies that help, consistent routines, appropriate lighting, reduced stimulation, and emotional reassurance, address underlying causes rather than simply reacting to behaviors. Professional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/blog\/memory-care-vs-nursing-home\/\">memory care communities<\/a> offer structured approaches that many families find beneficial as symptoms progress.\n<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\">Learn About Memory Care Support<\/h2>\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\n<em>If sundowning behaviors are affecting your loved one\u2019s quality of life or creating unsustainable caregiving demands, Civitas Senior Living <a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/our-communities\/\">communities<\/a> provide specialized memory care support. <\/em>\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">\n<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.civitasseniorliving.com\/contact-us\/\">Contact us<\/a> to learn how The Cottage creates living spaces designed around the needs of individuals experiencing dementia-related behavioral changes.<\/em>\n<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a caregiver for someone with dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s, you\u2019ve likely noticed patterns in their behavior throughout the day, leading you to wonder, what is sundowner\u2019s syndrome? Sundowning is a common phenomenon where confusion, agitation, and behavioral changes intensify during late afternoon and evening hours as daylight fades. These changes affect individuals in mid-to-late stages [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":11969,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[74,75,36,79,81,82,83,13],"tags":[86,87,89],"class_list":["post-3061","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-behaviors","category-functioning","category-dementia","category-impacts-of-dementia","category-memory","category-memory-loss-diagnosis","category-quality-of-life","category-senior-living","tag-approach","tag-education","tag-statistics"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is Sundowners Syndrome in Dementia? 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