New research by Lottie has revealed the heatwave is exacerbating behavioural changes in those living with dementia - especially in the late afternoon. Over the last 7 days, there has been a surge of online searches from carers, looking for support on ‘sundowning’ and ‘dementia’:

100% increase in online searches on Google for ‘sundowning behaviour’

50% increase in online searches on Google for ‘sundowning dementia patients’

22% increase in online searches on Google for ‘sundown dementia symptoms’

“Sundowning is a state of confusion many of those living with dementia experience in the late afternoon or early evening and can cause changes to their behaviour and mood”, shares Lottie’s Co-Founder and Care Expert Will Donnelly.

It isn’t surprising that we’ve seen a rise in online searches during the heatwave for sundowning support. One in five people living with dementia experience sundowning symptoms and the heat can heighten behavioural sundowning episodes.

In the peak of the summer, the longer days of sunlight can leave those experiencing sundowning symptoms confused for longer as their ‘internal body clock’ adjusts to a new routine. Combined with exhaustion from the heat, sundowning episodes can be exacerbated.

Whilst the main cause of sundowning is unclear, there are lots of factors that can trigger a sundowning episode, including - unmet needs (tiredness, hunger, and thirst) lack of exposure to sunlight during the day and disturbance to a daily routine.

Sometimes what seems like ‘sundowning’ could be the person trying to communicate a need.

As the temperatures in the UK continue to rise it’s really important to recognise the signs and symptoms of sundowning to keep those living with dementia safe and well.” concludes Will Donnelly.