Daylight Saving Time May Cause Challenges for Those with Dementia

Alzheimer’s Association offers tips for families and caregivers
The time will change in Ohio on Nov. 2, falling back one hour. This signifies the shortening of light every day, which can present challenges for those who are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, as well as their families and caregivers.

“Families may notice that their loved one is increasingly confused about the day or time, and that confusion could make them wander,” said Pam Myers, senior director, programs for the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest and Central Ohio Chapters. “In addition, as it will get darker every day in the fall and winter, those living with Alzheimer’s may experience sundowning, even if they haven’t before.”

Sundowning increases the confusion that people living with dementia may experience from dusk through night. Also called "sundowner's syndrome," it is not a disease but a set of symptoms or dementia-related behaviors that may include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, pacing and disorientation. Although the exact cause is unknown, sundowning may occur due to disease progression and changes in the brain.

Tips to manage sleep issues and sundowning

• Schedule activities such as doctor appointments, trips and bathing in the morning or early afternoon hours when the person living with dementia is more alert.
• Encourage a regular routine of waking up, eating meals and going to bed. 
• When possible, spend time outside in the sunlight during the day.
• Note what happens before sundowning events and try to identify triggers to avoid them.
• Reduce stimulation during the evening hours. Limit TV, chores, visitors or loud music.
• Keep the home well-lit in the evening to help reduce confusion.
• Try to identify soothing activities such as listening to calming music, looking at photographs or watching a favorite movie.

“It is important to remember that people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia will often lose their ability to recognize familiar places and faces, making it common for them to wander or become lost or confused about their location,” said Myers.

Four tips for families and caregivers

• Determine the cause – Find out why they might wander. Are they seeking lost loved ones? Trying to go to work? Are they scared or over stimulated?
• Safeguard the home – Eliminate clutter and prevent tripping hazards. Additionally, consider the location of objects such as car keys, jackets, and purses, as they might motivate the person to leave suddenly. Install electronic chimes or alarms to alert caregivers about an open door.
• Know the patterns – Encourage healthy sleep habits to minimize the likelihood of a loved one leaving in the middle of the night. In the event of wandering, maintain a record of patterns, including frequency, duration, and time of day.
• Develop a safety plan – Maintain a list of potential places someone might go, including their previous home, place of employment, and favorite spots around town. Keep a recent close-up photo and relevant medical information readily accessible to first responders. Create a contact list of individuals to reach out to if the person goes missing. Inform neighbors about the situation and request that they contact you if they observe the person out alone.

A comprehensive range of safety information, tips and resources is available at alz.org/safety. 

For the first time, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. is more than 7 million. That includes 236,200 in Ohio, according to the 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Deaths due to Alzheimer’s more than doubled (142%) between 2000 and 2022, while deaths from the leading cause of mortality (heart disease) decreased by 2.1%. 

To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free support and resources, visit alz.org/centralohio or call the Central Ohio Chapter at 614.457.6003 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.