SUNDOWNING ISN'T JUST FOR SENIORS

Sundowning: confusion and agitation that worsens in the late afternoon and evening, or as the sun goes down.

Sweet vindication. I am not alone. Though I’ve not been clinically diagnosed with dementia or other memory impairments (self-diagnosed on the daily and accused of it oh-so-many times), it is oddly comforting that the symptoms I’ve been experiencing are well-documented.

Symptom #1: Confusion/agitation

Full disclosure – I can’t remember my kids’ names - whether the sun is shining or not. There. I said it. I just go down the list at bedtime and watch for a flicker of recognition in their eyes – a twitch – anything at all - and announce that it’s time for bed. This has happened thousands of times. The same gig – jammies, hit the loo, and brush teeth. I speak slowly and deliberately. Their mouths form perfect little “O”s and they remain motionless. I begin to herd them up the steps. They look at me as though they smell poo (a face I know all too well). Hello, confused. My name is agitated.

Symptom #2: Repeating myself/agitation

You – whatever your name is… it’s time to brush your teeth. OK, everybody in the bathroom – it’s time to brush your teeth. Time to get those teeth shiny and clean. Here’s your toothbrush – please brush them. Enough is enough – brush your teeth. Brush your TEETH. Sweet fancy Moses…BRUSH YOUR TEETH!

Symptom #3: Distracted easily/agitation

Finally… time for sleep… Wait – are all the doors locked? Is the baseball bat jammed into the sliding door track? Whew. Heading up now. Did I sign Molly’s permission slip? I hear the toilet running downstairs. I am so ready to get my PJs on. Uh-oh - someone’s coughing. False alarm. Sweet sleep, here I come. I forgot to pee. Ahhh… much better. SERIOUSLY? Crumbs in my bed?

*The author is in no way trying to belittle or downplay the seriousness of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.