Lifestyle Changes to Decrease Dementia Fatigue
While we think of dementia causing memory loss and confusion, low energy levels are also common with persons living with dementia. Increased sleepiness and tiredness may be more apparent during later stages of dementia and could be due to circadian rhythm disorders (late afternoon confusion, sleep disturbances, evening agitation).
Lifestyle changes may help maintain circadian rhythms, which are established by patterns of life and darkness. Below are tips to increase daytime energy and promote less fatigue in your loved one. This is an important issue to address, especially when sleep patterns are disturbed in your loved one. When this is occurring your sleep patterns are also affected when can lead to chronic fatigue for you!
- Address possible depression. According to John Hopkins, approximately 40-50 percent of people diagnosed with dementia have depression.
- Talk to the doctor if medications are prescribed and assess possible side effects that may cause drowsiness.
- Lack of a balanced diet and too many sugary foods can lead to vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin D or B, which can cause fatigue.
- Increase exposure to light/sunlight during the day and early evening to help maintain circadian rhythm (UV exposure is the primary method of boosting serum Vitamin D levels)
- Promote positive sleep hygiene. Limit stimulants that promotes wakefulness such coffee, teas, chocolate and soft drinks.
- Increase afternoon activities, but not too close to bedtime.
- Chronic pain is often understated in people living with dementia because the person may no longer be able to verbally express the pain. Heartburn
- Engaging in activities to help minimize napping
- Avoid heavy meals (may cause GERD), but eat a light snack before bedtime as hunger can keep someone awake.
- Limit liquids in the evening to reduce nighttime awakenings
- Keep a regular schedule to main rest and activity levels
- Reduce stress and promote relaxation at bedtime (listen to calming music together, back massage, guided imagery)
- “White noise,” nature sounds such as a gentle rain, and ocean waves may promote sleep.
If you would like more information about our Memory Ministry, our Monday morning Memory Cafe, please contact Vicky at vpitner@firstumc.org.