Sundowning is extremely common in the nursing homes I have worked with and with the elderly in general. Doctors say it is a sign of alzheimers, but seem confused as to cause and treatment.

We thought my mother was getting sundowners a while back. She was not sleeping very much at all and seemed agitated a lot. The doctors prescribed sleeping pills, but they made her dizzy and she fell twice. I spent some time with her and it seemed to me that she had restless leg syndrome. She continually moved her legs all night even while in bed and got up often to walk.

I got her some melatonin and magnesium and she seemed to sleep better. She is still taking it and her mind seems almost as it always has been (very bright). Also, she stopped taking the blood pressure pills. Research shows that lowering the blood pressure does not prevent stroke or heart attack. That would certainly be my observation and they have multiple serious, but insidious side effects.

I think Mom was confused and dizzy from her medicine and also from not being able to sleep. I slept with her a couple of nights and when I saw how her legs were constantly in motion, I thought the restless leg thing might be worth a try. I am fearful of the pharmaceuticals for it though. Bad side effects. So far so good with the magnesium and melatonin.

My prayers are with you and your mother.

smile.

[ April 09, 2006, 08:59 PM: Message edited by: smilinize ]