The recent switch to Daylight Saving Time can trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD) symptoms for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Hear from Regional Memory Care Coordinator Laurie Welch Guthrie about maintaining the well-being of a person living with dementia throughout upcoming changes in schedules and weather.

Spring has finally arrived, and most of us are happy to put winter’s colder months and darker days behind us. However, the switch to Daylight Saving Time can be a difficult adjustment for your loved one living with dementia. 

Understanding the Impact of Seasonal Changes on Dementia

Fluctuating daylight hours can confuse your loved one’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock, and disrupt familiar routines, such as bedtimes and mealtimes. As days get longer, they may insist on going to bed later and later because “it’s not dark, so it’s not bedtime,” resulting in inconsistent sleep and wake patterns. 

As your family takes advantage of the warmer weather and your schedules get fuller, meals may be served earlier or later than your loved one’s internal clock expects. This can cause further confusion or anger if they think they missed a meal. 

These unintended adjustments to routines can trigger sundowning symptoms. Studies have shown that these symptoms – confusion, anxiety, fear or paranoia, disorientation and wandering, anger or aggressive behaviors – worsen in the winter and early spring.  

How Allerton House Hingham Helps Residents Manage Dementia Symptoms in Spring

Routine and Consistency

Routine and consistency are key to the well-being of a person living with dementia. The schedule and structure found within our Welch Senior Living Memory Care neighborhoods encourage consistent routines. 

Outdoor Activities

To decrease any disruptions caused by the change in seasons, persons with dementia should be encouraged to take advantage of the better weather and sunnier days. Our life-enrichment programs make the most of the additional daylight and offer residents opportunities to become more active in the outdoors and fresh springtime air, thus decreasing the adverse effects of SAD on mood and cognitive function.

In our Welch Senior Living Memory Care Assisted Living neighborhoods, your loved one will be able to enjoy supervised walks outdoors, observing nature while engaging in ability-appropriate exercise. This type of mood-boosting physical activity has been shown to increase social interaction for those living with dementia.

Our life-enrichment programs provide the opportunity to garden on our secured patios and outdoor spaces. Gardening has shown many benefits for people living with dementia, including promoting sensory stimulation, improving attention span, increasing strength and balance, and providing a sense of purpose. 

Physical Activity

Once warmer weather arrives, other regularly programmed activities, such as book clubs or exercise programs, take place in our secured outdoor settings. Residents also regularly enjoy unstructured time in our secured outdoor spaces, reading, birdwatching, visiting with loved ones, or simply relaxing in the sunshine. Increased exposure to sunny days and vitamin D further helps to prevent worsening sundowning and other dementia-related symptoms.

Social Interaction

The improved weather allows for more supervised day trips for residents living in our Memory Care neighborhoods. Day trips have been shown to be beneficial for social interaction and can also encourage reminiscing. Our Life Enrichment Coordinators plan trips that spark memories without becoming overly stimulating. Our residents have enjoyed supervised trips to museums, parks, beaches, restaurants, ice cream stands, and more. 

Hydration

Staying well-hydrated is vital for seniors – especially on warm, sunny days. Our Wellness Teams ensure proper hydration by encouraging residents to increase residents’ fluid intake.

Are your loved one’s dementia symptoms progressing? Please contact me to discuss factors that indicate it’s time for specialized residential Memory Care.

Email: lguthrie@welchhrg.com | Call: 781-878-6700 x270

Article authored by:

Laurie Guthrie, MSW, LCSW, CDP
Welch Senior Living
Regional Memory Care Coordinator
Senior Clinical Social Worker
781-878-6700 x270