The term "sundowning" describes a clinical phenomenon characterized by late afternoon exacerbation of behavioural symptoms in dementia. Beyond this clinical definition, the debate around this concept is not properly solved, because many authors define it in different ways, mentioning various hypothetical etiological explanations. It represents a concrete problem, which is difficult to manage for physicians and caregivers, and is probably linked to various biological, psychological and social aspects. As recently reported, the sundowning phenomenon is a predictor of faster cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, and as such can represent a possible marker of frailty in this illness. This article presents an overview of the biological understanding and possible pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of this condition.
Ferrazzoli, D., Sica, F., Sancesario, G. (2013). Sundowning syndrome: a possible marker of frailty in Alzheimer's disease?. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS. DRUG TARGETS, 12(4), 525-528.
Sundowning syndrome: a possible marker of frailty in Alzheimer's disease?
SANCESARIO, GIUSEPPE
2013-06-01
Abstract
The term "sundowning" describes a clinical phenomenon characterized by late afternoon exacerbation of behavioural symptoms in dementia. Beyond this clinical definition, the debate around this concept is not properly solved, because many authors define it in different ways, mentioning various hypothetical etiological explanations. It represents a concrete problem, which is difficult to manage for physicians and caregivers, and is probably linked to various biological, psychological and social aspects. As recently reported, the sundowning phenomenon is a predictor of faster cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, and as such can represent a possible marker of frailty in this illness. This article presents an overview of the biological understanding and possible pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of this condition.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.