My husband had AZ and sun downers. In the mornings and most of the day he was fine, carried on conversations with me. I could leave him alone to run errands while he watched TV. I was always home by 3 PM. Later in the day he didn't now up from down, he paced, went through all of the drawers in the bedroom. He didn't know if he lived in our home or if he was suppose to go home at night. A real gentleman. I just let him be to pace and go through the drawers. He was busy and enjoying himself. Every night going through those drawers was a treasure hunt for him. AZ is a terrible disease and sun downers makes it much worse.

Thank you EmmaR for your response. I do just let Mother pace and I guess I wondered if I should do anything else to help her. She seems to be looking for something.

You are correct it is a terrible disease. I always wonder if I'm doing the right thing. Before she was diagnosed my Mother was the most outgoing bubbly personality in the room and everyone loved her. It is so sad to see her a recluse and unable to operate the telephone or carry on a conversation. I miss my Mom!

That's why it's called "the long good by". The disease is robbing your Mother of who she once was and her world is shrinking to the width of her shoulders. It's devastating - more so for the caregiver as the unfortunate loved one likely has no awareness of why she's doing what she's doing. That's why the distractions are so short-lived; they have no memory of doing these things - even of being distracted.

As for the pacing, it's a repetitive pattern activity which has no meaning. If she's not in any danger, let it run it's course. And it will, only to lock in on something else unexpected that you, as a caregiver, can't anticipate or prepare for.

Thank you duluthinbloomz4. I think you are right about the repetitive pattern activity. Just a few weeks ago she was fixated on sweeping the back porch (even when it didn't need it.) I'm doing my best to keep her safe, clean, eating healthy and participating in normal activities as best I can.

Ask her Dr about giving Melatonin. It can help regulate the sleep cycle and has very little if any side effects. Our bodies naturally produce it and it tells us when it's time to go to sleep.

Thank you Linda - yes my Mother takes Melatonin now. Her pacing is not as constant as it was, but she does still pace. She is sleeping better. I think duluthinbloomz4 was right when she said once you think you've figured out what's going on, the situation changes. We are now trying to sort out a difficult bathroom issue.

Thank you CA Kate - so true and so eloquently stated.

I can't really speak to your situation but I can sympathize. I work with dementia in an assisted living facility. The thing to remember is to keep Mom safe while she does her thing...whatever the thing of the moment is. In my facility they have activity centers, similar to what you see in preschools but with age appropriate items. Interactive themed items that people can come and go and use for stimulation...there is an old typewriter and some paper...some wood blocks and sandpaper...stuff like that...stuff to engage mom while she is restless. What comes to mind is maybe a shelf with random items that she can shop from, and a bag to carry it in...when she is done put it all back on the shelf. Make sure to LOCK doors if she tends to go outside, and make sure your local 911 has current info and photo if she were to get lost. Within the home you might??? be able to manipulate lighting to minimize this sundowning.

Thank you lethiapage. Keeping my Mother safe and healthy is my number one goal. My Mother has a Project Lifesaver bracelet through our local sheriff's office and we do lock the doors. What has also worked is placing a deterrant in front of each door (we place our coat rack in front of the front door) and she cannot figure out how to get around it. She sees something blocking the doorway and she just turns and walks away. I will try the shelf idea - that sounds promising. I have also begun letting her listen to an Ipod and that does help. Other caregivers that have not seen the short film "Alive Inside" should really check it out. It's amazing once I find the right music to see her eyes light up and a huge smile!