Why is my mother with dementia afraid of the night, convinced she will disappear in it?

Nighttime can be scary for people with dementia, including your mother. As the sun goes down, her brain may have trouble making sense of what’s happening around her. This confusion can make her feel afraid and think strange things, like worrying she’ll disappear when it gets dark.

There’s actually a name for this – it’s called “sundowning.” It happens because dementia messes with the body’s internal clock. When evening comes, your mom’s brain gets even more mixed up than usual. The changing light and shadows can play tricks on her eyes too.

Being tired at the end of the day doesn’t help either. Your mom’s thinking is probably fuzzier when she’s worn out. And as night falls, there are fewer distractions and activities to keep her mind busy. With nothing else to focus on, her fears can grow bigger.

The quiet and darkness of nighttime can feel isolating for anyone. But for someone with dementia who’s already confused, it might seem extra lonely and scary. Your mom may worry that she’ll get lost in the dark or that no one will be there to help her.

Her dementia symptoms could also be worse at night, making her more paranoid or likely to see things that aren’t there. Hallucinations are pretty common with some types of dementia. So those shadows on the wall might look like strangers to her.

There are things you can do to help your mom feel safer at night. Keep her surroundings familiar and well-lit. Stick to a steady routine so she knows what to expect. Calm activities in the evening can soothe her nerves. And make sure she sees you’re nearby to comfort her.

Remember, your mom isn’t choosing to feel this way. Her dementia is causing very real fear and confusion. With patience and understanding, you can help her feel more secure when night falls. Don’t hesitate to talk to her doctor too – they may have other ideas to ease her nighttime worries.