Vascular Dementia/Alzheimer`s in Downs Syndrome folk

[baggybert]

Hi Everyone,

My brother who I look after full time has recently been diagnosed with dementia. Is it usual for the rapid ups and downs in moods? He will be ok in the morning for example but often by about 3pm in the afternoon he is a completely different person, even more confused than normal, does not seem to hear me, does not seem to respond to anything at all and by the evening he is often like a zombie.

 

[SAP]

Hello @baggybert and welcome. I don’t have any experience of this but this link may give you some more information.

Dementia and Down's syndrome

People with Down's syndrome have a higher risk of developing dementia. A person with Down’s syndrome may have similar symptoms as someone without Down’s syndrome. However, there can be some differences around changes in behaviour and personality.

www.alzheimers.org.uk

Dementia does change a persons personality and I’m guessing that by mid afternoon your brother is tired and overwhelmed with everything. It might be worth having a chat with his GP just to check he is not suffering with any other illness or infection. Also the Admiral Nurses may have some suggestions for you to manger the later part of the day.

What is an Admiral Nurse and how can they help?

Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you.

www.dementiauk.org

 

[Kevinl]

Well hello and welcome from me.
Sundowning, late afternoon shut down call it how you will seems to be quite common.
Thank you for posting it's so nice you look after your brother in this way, thank you. K

 

[canary]

Yes, this is sundowning - a period of increased confusion often in the evening or overnight. My mum used to start sundowning at about 3.00pm too

I know that the Alzheimers society has a factsheet about sundowning and I looked for it, but couldnt for the life of me find it. I hope someone else who knows where it is will come and give you a link

 

[SAP]

Sundowning and dementia

Sometimes a person with dementia will behave in ways that are difficult to understand in the late afternoon or early evening. This is known as 'Sundowning'.

www.alzheimers.org.uk

Here it is.