5. Changes in Perception – Twilight’s Illusions
A lesser-known yet significant symptom of sundown syndrome is altered perception. As the day transitions into night, the waning light can play tricks on the eyes of individuals with sundowning. They may begin to misinterpret what they see, leading to further confusion and fear.
Shadows become menacing figures, familiar objects appear alien, and the dimly lit spaces seem fraught with unseen dangers. This altered perception adds another layer to the confusion and fear that typically characterize sundowning, further disorienting the individual.
Notably, this change in perception isn’t merely about misinterpretations. Some individuals may experience hallucinations—seeing, hearing, or even feeling things that don’t exist. These can be distressing and lead to panic or agitation, especially if they perceive these hallucinations as threats.
Just as with the other symptoms, it’s crucial to remember that changes in perception aren’t exclusive to sundown syndrome. Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, certain types of dementia, or even side effects from medication can also cause hallucinations or changes in perception. Therefore, it’s crucial to have any changes in perception evaluated by a healthcare professional before attributing them to sundown syndrome.
Now, let’s move on to another behavioral symptom that sundowning individuals often display—paranoia. (5)
