Vascular dementia

[Olddear]

Relative with VD. Seems to be OK during daytime, memory good although has poor mobility. But late afternoon and during the night she starts to get worse. She's up allnight going to the toilet (rarely ever passes anything) but it goes on all night long and becomes very disorientated eg, doesn't know where she is, can't find her bedroom etc and during daytime she seems to realise she becomes very anxious at night but the night comes and it starts all over again! She has a wonderful husband who cares for her but he's exhausted! She won't allow anyone but him to care for her and won't let him out of her sight!
So, in short, great during the day, terrible from late afternoon on....an suggestions?

[florentina1]

It is very common and is called Sundowning. Anyone who has worked in a care home will be familiar with it.

My mum GP prescribed a tablet which she took about 4pm which,calmed her a lot. Unfortunately not a cure but should help her feel less stressed.

My mum used to get up out of her chair every few minutes. We called her the Duracell Bunny.

New meds are coming on the market all the time. You do have to keep on to the GP though. If your mum has carers they often know about these meds.

[CMOTDibbler]

Sundowning can also be managed by really clear signalling that its night - think about the sort of bedtime routine you use for toddlers.

You can also get talking motion sensors so you can record 'x, its nightime, go back to sleep' and it will say it as soon as she moves.

[Olddear]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated