There is probably nothing more beautiful than a glorious sunset. For people with dementia, however, the fading day can trigger a great deal of mental confusion and agitation.
This is known as sundowning syndrome.
I am sure that I need not explain to those of you who are familiar with these symptoms, or who care for ageing parents or other loved ones, what this entails. Sundowning syndrome occurs in around 20% of all dementia or Alzheimer’s patients in connection with their condition, and to varying degrees.
Readers who are not familiar with the syndrome should know that it can present in many different ways. Observed behaviours include unusual emotional outbursts, sadness, anxiety, restlessness, tiredness, pacing, wandering, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations and even full-blown angry outbursts.
Practical help for dementia
Practical measures that help avoid additional strain include getting sufficient sleep, daily exercise in the fresh air, well-lit interiors (avoid shadows) and a set daily routine with as few deviations as possible.
Even more practical, however, is my Practical Homeopathy®!
I am particularly pleased to share the experience report of my student Monique B. with you. In one of my courses she learned how to find the appropriate remedy when there is no prescribed treatment protocol:
"My father had dementia and in his final weeks his sundowning syndrome became markedly worse. He suffered from anxiety and agitation. One night when I was staying up with him, I looked him up in my materia medica and found Arsenicum album, which fit his symptoms perfectly. He became much calmer and more relaxed, until after three hours he needed another dose. The next morning he was more coherent than he usually is, and that without drugs or their side effects. I am so grateful for your teaching!"
"P.S. Later we discovered that my father actually had three risk factors – Alzheimer’s, dementia and cerebral arteriosclerosis (we learned this 'by chance' from the hospice; the doctors had not informed us about it)."
Arsenicum album as the remedy of choice
Monique – Arsenicum album was absolutely the best choice, brilliant. I would have chosen this remedy myself.
Contrary to what the technical term implies, the symptoms of sundowning syndrome do not always wait until sunset. They can also appear earlier in the day. For this reason I would probably give Arsenicum album 30 daily and already in the early afternoon, i.e. straight after lunch. Further information on dosage and potency can be found here.
If the person later still experiences unusual agitation, the remedy could be given again acutely as an emergency medicine. It is to be hoped, however, that the daily administration will bring the necessary stabilisation of the condition.
Homeopathy is powerful – provided you are willing to acquire the necessary skills and have enough confidence to apply it wisely and with care. So keep at it, learn eagerly and spread the word!
Warmly,
Yours
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