Unfortunately, the exact cause of sundown syndrome1 isn’t clear. Some theories suggest it is more common in seniors who are experiencing fatigue. The National Institute on Aging2 believes this condition is also caused by an interruption in the body’s biological clock.
Most often, sundowning is seen in people who have mid to late-stage Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Data from the Alzheimer’s Association states that up to 20% of people3 with Alzheimer’s Disease may experience sundown syndrome.
People dealing with sundown syndrome often have trouble discerning between what is reality and what is a dream or figment of the imagination. This confusion can lead to seemingly erratic behavior or emotions.