Supporting Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Memory Care in Changing Seasons
If you are a caregiver for an older adult with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it is good to consider that as the days grow shorter and evenings arrive earlier, many of us feel the shift in mood, sleep, and daily rhythm. For individuals with Alzheimer’s or various forms of dementia, these seasonal changes can feel even more disruptive. We have done some learning for you, and want to lay out some Memory Care tips for changing seasons.
Let’s explore some reasons for the difficulty of seasonal change, as well as some helpful tips for care.
The Role of the Circadian Rhythm
The circadian rhythm is known as the body’s internal clock that regulates when to be tired, hungry, or alert. This rhythm is driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), located in the brain’s hypothalamus. The SCN is like the brain’s master clock, taking cues from the eyes, hormones, and body temperature to help regulate sleep and alertness.
For those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, two main changes interfere with this process:
- Reduced light sensitivity: Dementia can cause damage in the eyes, making it harder to sense daylight cues.
- Weakened brain signals: The hypothalamus itself becomes weaker, making it more difficult to regulate the body’s clock.
This creates a mixed signal to the brain; even when the SCN tries to keep rhythm, the rest of the brain doesn’t always respond correctly. This often results in imbalanced sleep patterns, appetite, and mood becoming unpredictable or harder to manage.
Symptoms & Solutions: Memory Care Tips
Sundowning & Mood Swings
When the seasons change, the dramatic shift in light results in greater difficulty for those suffering with a dementia. Sundowning becomes a common experience for caregivers, which refers to increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness in the late afternoon and evening hours.
When sunset comes earlier in the fall, the darkness may trigger feelings of impatience and unease before the usual time for sleep or meals. Additional hours of daylight in the summer lend themselves to a person wandering at unusual hours.
To ease these difficulties, some tips for the changing seasons include:
- Open blinds early and maximize natural light during winter days.
- Use warm indoor lighting to ease the transition into evening.
- In summer, try blackout curtains to keep bedtime consistent and restful.
- Go for an evening drive to mimic coming home from work.
Temperature & Weather
The hypothalamus, which also controls body temperature, weakens with aging, making it harder to process temperature changes. A resident may stay in the sun too long without realizing they’re overheating. Others may forget to put on a sweater when they begin to shiver. In the fall and spring seasons, the weather often fluctuates greatly. This inconsistency can make it even harder for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia to regulate their temperature.
To make it easier for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, use easy-to-layer clothing with zippers instead of buttons. This makes it easier to manage temperature adjustments. Additionally, winter provides a higher fall risk due to ice and snow conditions outdoors and bulkier clothing indoors, making manageable layers all the more important.
In the wintertime, it is good to provide a cozy common space with warm drinks and food to promote interaction and relaxation. On the other hand, in the summer, focus on healthy hydration and schedule outdoor activities early in the day to avoid the peak heat.
Routines Disrupted
Holidays, visitors, and seasonal activities bring joy but also disrupt the comfort of routine for those with Alzheimer’s or a dementia. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Memory Care neighborhoods see more visitors, and additional gatherings in their common spaces. This is even more true for those who might still live at home and have families visiting. This can leave them feeling overwhelmed and confused.
Meanwhile, in the springtime, outdoor activities happen significantly more often. While these are exciting times filled with tradition, family, and healthy interaction, these changes in routine can also be overwhelming to those with Alzheimer’s or a dementia.
To make things easier on residents, caregivers in Memory Care communities should:
- Always introduce seasonal décor slowly and avoid rearranging key furniture.
- Stick to consistent mealtimes and daily routines.
- Choose simple holiday activities, like familiar songs or small crafts.
- Use helpful cues such as light therapy lamps, soothing music, or familiar scents to maintain a calming environment.
Memory Care Support at Peaceful Pines Senior Living
If you’re caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, know that you don’t have to navigate these seasonal challenges alone. At Peaceful Pines, our Memory Care communities are here to provide consistency, comfort, and care.
Our intimate and secure Memory Care neighborhoods are designed to support older adults living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. We create personalized care plans tailored specifically to each resident, and work to create daily opportunities to enrich their life.
Those living with memory-related impairments experience a lot of change and challenges. We aim live life together while helping promote freedom and individuality while balancing a sense of security and support. We understand that the disruptions to routines and the circadian rhythm can significantly affect our residents. Our care staff is here to ensure that environments remain stable, welcoming, and a positive place to live.
Visit peacefulpines.net to explore resources, schedule a visit, or learn how we can support your family in any of our communities across South Dakota.
