Restlessness and Alzheimer's

Restlessness and agitation can be common symptoms of Alzheimer's, especially in the late afternoon and evening. This is sometimes called Sundowning if it's late in the day. Restlessness can cause poor sleep, fatigue, and all-day irritability.

On myALZteam, the social network and online support group for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Restlessness is one of the top topics most discussed.

Here are some question-and-answer threads about restlessness:

• Is nonstop walking and talking a normal phase?
• Have any of you noticed repetitive movements and verbal sounds such as humming non-stop?
• Does anyone else notice a lot of twitching and jumping when their loved one with dementia is sleeping during the day?

Here are some conversations about restlessness:

• "He is getting restless in evenings - paces about - looking for nothing in particular. Restless in bed through the night - yawning, sniffing, moving around. I'm a light sleeper so every movement wakes me."
• "My husband has been up since yesterday... He been very restless lately and saying nasty things that he never said before. I think what hurts the most is the nasty things he accused me of doing. I know it's the disease not him because he was never like that. I really hate this rotten Alzheimer's disease."
• "Seems like he is experiencing more agitation at night. Sundowners is getting worse. One minute he wants the lights on, the next he doesn't."

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to myALZteam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.