T:Survey for dementia carers	Q:We are master student from <institution> and currently carrying out a consultancy project for the <institution> Mental health department; the core project is a START manual which is a psychological therapy manual for dementia carers.
We are aware that Dementia carers generally do not receive any formal psychological services in the NHS; so I would like to collect some primary data for research purpose from dementia carers.
We have conducted a survey related to that matter,  we really appreciate your time and any feedback you can offer to us.
Survey link:  post has been approved by admin <name>.
Post Edited (<name>) : <date> <time>	
T:Newbie	Q:Well - how do I begin?
My husband is <age> - has various serious health issues (Diabetes,  Hep C,  liver cancer,  liver transplant,  rare lung fungus-mucormycosis,  heart attack,  triple bypass surgery,  high blood pressure/low blood pressure,  fainting spells,  now fatigue) - recently diagnosed with early dementia (whatever that means).
He's fine during the day - for <time_period> he has what I have 'decided' is Sundowners.
He has <num> <professional_practitioner> and it seems since this newest problem has reared it's ugly head - none of them want to address it.
I've searched online and can't find anything about people doing fine during the day - and experiencing Sundowners late afternoon/night.
He is weaker and weaker by the day,  sleeps more and more - yet,  none of the <professional_practitioner> can find anything wrong (and believe me - he's at the <professional_practitioner> ALL THE TIME).
I sure could use some ideas.
Thank you.
<name>	A:I imagine he's on a lot of medicines?
Is it possible that his medicine is causing his Sundowner's symptoms?
I know that some medications can effect the older generation differently than the younger so maybe his meds are the problem and it's not dementia at all.
Does he take a certain medicine during the afternoon before these episodes?
A:I would agree with <name>.
It is unbelievable the side effects that some medications can cause.
If at all possible,  I would try to keep a journal and give meds at diferent times,  if possible,  and then watch for signs,  again keeping a journal.
With all of your husband's medical issues,  I cannot imagine you can keep track without keeping notes.
My mom has Alzheimer's/dementia and is now in <institution>,  on the dementia floor.
I visit almost ever day and if I go after <time>,  the change in some of these residents is incredible!
It is obviously sundowner's and they do have some form of dementia.
In any case,  I wish you well, <name>


A:I agree with <name> too,  sometimes meds can do it.
Also,  being familar with SunDowner's I will say usually nights/days are mixed up.
My aunt (may she rest in peace) had that form of dementia,  and was extremely worse as sun goes down.
It wasn't that all bad during the day,  but still was noticed.
Like <name> said,  keep a journal,  actually everyone should keep a journal.
When my gma and aunt passed it actually comforted me in knowing that they were more at peace and didnt have to live with the dementia anymore.
A:To <name> .
The medications certainly can have the effect of being tired all of the time.
I just got a call this afternoon from my <professional_practitioner> office asking me about the side effects of my most recent cancer medication.
All I could tell him is Im not sure if my needed afternoon naps the past <time_period> are because of the new cancer med '<medicine>' just started <time_period> ago .
or if it's still the <medicine> (hormonal therapy) I have been on for nearly <time_period> now - with the complication of the new medication added!
Regarding sundowners .
I just had an unpleasant experience with my Mother who is in a <institution> for Dementia patients (for <time_period> now) .
and I usually go to see her at <time> - right after her lunch.
Last <day>,  it backfired on me - and she did get nasty and beligerant - first time in a long time.
And I guess it can't be explained by sundowners - but she did just get off of an antibiotic (for <time_period>) .
so,  here again,  the meds may have had something to do with it.
It's so complicated!
Wishing you well.
