JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As we prepare to set our clocks forward by an hour, the transition into Daylight Saving Time (DST) may bring more than just minor inconveniences.
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While many may feel groggy or disoriented for a few days, experts warn that the time change can have an even greater impact on vulnerable populations—especially those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida is home to approximately 580,000 individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. For them, the shift in daylight hours can increase confusion and disorientation, potentially leading to an elevated risk of wandering.
People with Alzheimer’s often experience a phenomenon known as sundowning. This condition causes heightened confusion, anxiety, agitation, and disorientation in the late afternoon and evening. With the later daylight hours brought on by DST, individuals with Alzheimer’s may struggle even more to distinguish where they are in their day.
Maria Bennett, community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association, told the story of how she was a caregiver during her father’s battle with the disease.
"In their brain, the way it works is so different in regard to being able to tell the difference between day and night and sometimes that kind of crosses," Bennett said. “So what happens is by there being more daylight it’s going to make them think that it’s still daytime. It’s still time for them to be moving around. There’s still a lot of time to do activities outside so they believe that instead of being in bed that they need to be doing something.”
To help manage the effects of DST on individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association offers several key recommendations:
- Schedule important activities early – Plan doctor’s appointments and other essential tasks in the morning or early afternoon when the individual is more alert.
- Reduce evening stimulation – Minimize distractions such as loud television, chores, or music during the late afternoon and evening hours.
- Keep your home well-lit – Maintaining light in the evening can help reduce confusion and ease the transition to bedtime.
- Allow pacing – If someone feels restless, allow them to pace or take a calming walk together under supervision.
In addition to helping Alzheimer’s patients adjust, experts stress the importance of caregiver self-care. Managing the challenges that come with DST and Alzheimer’s can be physically and emotionally draining, making it crucial for caregivers to seek support and utilize available resources.
For more information visit alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.