4. Wandering – The Path of Disorientation
A prominent symptom of sundown syndrome that caregivers need to be particularly vigilant about is wandering. As the evening sets in, the individual may seem restless and start walking aimlessly around their home or try to leave the premises. This aimless wandering could be their attempt to make sense of their heightened confusion or a manifestation of the restlessness that sundowning brings.
This symptom is especially concerning due to the safety risks it entails. The individual could inadvertently put themselves in harm’s way—getting lost, falling, or encountering dangerous situations. Furthermore, if they wander off the premises, finding them could become a daunting task, especially in the evening or night when visibility is low.
One crucial aspect to consider here is that wandering isn’t always a symptom of sundowning. Other factors like boredom, excess energy, or a desire to stick to old routines (like going for an evening walk) can also contribute to this behavior. Hence, it’s vital to take a holistic view of the situation and discuss with a healthcare professional before ascribing this behavior entirely to sundowning.
Let’s now turn our attention to a less noticeable but equally significant symptom of sundown syndrome—changes in perception. (4)
