Doctor reveals little-known symptom of dementia that can happen at one specific time of day

Debilitating neurological conditions like dementia have a number of subtle symptoms that can be hard to pick up on, as many of us will have forgetful moments, find ourselves lost for words, or just be a bit clumsy.

But there is one unusual warning sign of the neurodegenerative disease that should prompt you to speak to your physician, according to the CEO of a major dementia charity, Dr Kellyn Lee.

And it will usually strike at the same time of day.

If you notice yourself or a loved one displaying concerning symptoms towards the end of the afternoon or evening, or at the same time each day, they may sadly be experiencing what psychologists call 'sundowning'.

The Alzheimer's Society says that people who experience this 'behave in ways that are difficult to understand in the late afternoon or early evening'.

Dr Lee explained on TikTok: "This can happen at any time of day, but what we see a lot with people living with dementia is that it can happen in the afternoon."

If worrying symptoms only seem to strike later in the day, you should speak to your doctor (Getty Stock Image)

The dementia expert added that people experiencing this side effect can expect 'anxiety and agitation and maybe increased confusion,' during the latter parts of each day.

During these periods, the affected individual can become extremely distressed and even experience hallucinations or become deluded. This won't even just last for a short period, but can continue into the night and disrupt their sleep.

Sundowning is a term used to describe a number of symptoms that people, typically in the middle and later stages of dementia, will experience towards the end of the day, but there is little understanding of what causes it.

However, there are a number of things that can trigger sundowning or make the onset of these symptoms more likely.

What can trigger 'sundowning'?

According to the Alzheimer's Society, some of these triggers can be related to a specific time of day.

If you are more confused, or agitated, in the late afternoon and early evening, your brain might be 'sundowning' (Getty Stock Image)

• Tiredness, hunger, pain or other unmet physical needs
• Not enough exposure to sunlight during the day
• Overstimulation during the day, such as from a noisy or busy environment
• Disturbance to the person’s ‘body clock’ caused by damage to the brain
• Disturbed levels of hormones that vary over the course of the day
• Sensory impairment, such as hearing or sight loss
• Tiredness in other people causing the person with dementia to become upset
• Mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression
• Fewer carers around to look after the person (in a care home)
• Side effects of prescribed drugs.

It's important to remember that someone with dementia might present with these symptoms because they are unable to communicate something that they need. This could include feeling hungry or being in pain.

The charity also states that sundowning can be brought on by uneven indoor lighting. So if it is approaching that time of day, it can help if you close all the curtains and cover light sources.