Yes, it is actually very common for people with Alzheimer's to experience a lot of fatigue and sleep more than usual. This is sometimes called "dementia fatigue," and it happens because Alzheimer's can disrupt the brain's ability to regulate energy and sleep cycles.
A myALZteam member shared something very similar: "After Show Full Answer
Yes, it is actually very common for people with Alzheimer's to experience a lot of fatigue and sleep more than usual. This is sometimes called "dementia fatigue," and it happens because Alzheimer's can disrupt the brain's ability to regulate energy and sleep cycles.
A myALZteam member shared something very similar: "After sleeping 15 to 17 hours, he says he's tired." So you are definitely not alone in this. The anger and agitation can also be connected to Alzheimer's, especially something called sundowning — when a person becomes more confused, irritable, or upset in the late afternoon or evening.
A myALZteam member described it this way: "My mom struggles with sundowning on a daily basis. She gets irritated easily, agitated, and confused. By the morning, she cannot even remember the incident."
Some things that may help include:
- Keeping a consistent daily routine
- Getting natural light during the day — it helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Scheduling demanding tasks earlier in the day when energy is better
- Creating a calming bedtime routine like herbal tea or soft music It's always a good idea to mention both the fatigue and the anger to her doctor. They can help figure out if anything else is contributing and suggest the best way to manage both.
5 days ago
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