Daylight Saving Time Can Negatively Affect Those With Alzheimer's and Dementia

The Alzheimer's Association says Daylight Saving Time can confuse persons with Alzheimer's and dementia, reports WHSV-3 . As it starts to get dark sooner, people living with dementia will start feeling more fatigued in the evenings, which can cause confusion. They also can have disrupted sleep patterns, insomnia episodes, and wandering, adding to caregivers' stress. "It's up to the caregivers to brainstorm on how to water down drinks or look at decaffeinated or healthy snacks that can replace some of the items that might be normal or common and traditional for someone with Alzheimer's disease,' says Alzheimer's Family Services Director Annie Marrs. She also suggests caregivers keep their house well-lit into the evening hours to make it appear like daytime, then slowly start turning the lights off to help smooth the transition to nighttime.