KEY POINTS

Sundowning causes confusion and anxiety at dusk and nighttime for dementia patients.

Daytime activities and better lighting can help reduce symptoms in individuals.

The Alzheimer's Association provides support resources and a helpline for caregivers.

Close to 7.5 million older adults in the U.S. live with Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia. And while most people may see the clock change overnight Nov. 2 as a chance to get an extra hour of sleep or more morning daylight, it’s potentially a problem for those with dementia and their roughly 12 million caregivers.

The issue is called “sundowning,” which refers to the increased confusion that dusk through nighttime brings for those who have dementia. Symptoms of sundowning include anxiety, agitation, trouble slee

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