As Alzheimer's dementia progresses, which symptom may occur?

As Alzheimer's dementia progresses, which symptom may occur?

• A. Disruptive behavior
• B. Wandering
• C. Loss of appetite
• D. Confuse day and night

Answer: (D)

As Alzheimer’s disease advances, the brain’s ability to regulate wakefulness and time orientation deteriorates, leading to sundowning. This is when confusion, disorientation, and sometimes agitation become more pronounced in the late afternoon or evening and can carry into the night. It reflects the progressive impact on circadian rhythms and other brain networks that keep track of time and surroundings. Disruptive behavior, wandering, and loss of appetite can occur as the disease progresses as well, but the pattern of increased confusion specifically around the transition to evening is most characteristic of progression. Practical steps to help include maintaining a regular daytime routine with bright light exposure, limiting daytime napping, and creating a calm, well-lit, safe nighttime environment.

As Alzheimer’s disease advances, the brain’s ability to regulate wakefulness and time orientation deteriorates, leading to sundowning. This is when confusion, disorientation, and sometimes agitation become more pronounced in the late afternoon or evening and can carry into the night. It reflects the progressive impact on circadian rhythms and other brain networks that keep track of time and surroundings.

Disruptive behavior, wandering, and loss of appetite can occur as the disease progresses as well, but the pattern of increased confusion specifically around the transition to evening is most characteristic of progression. Practical steps to help include maintaining a regular daytime routine with bright light exposure, limiting daytime napping, and creating a calm, well-lit, safe nighttime environment.