The first day of fall has come and gone, and the end of the year is quickly approaching. Days
are getting shorter, sunlight isn’t lasting as long, and soon enough, we’ll be turning back our
clocks. As seasons change, so do the moods and behaviors of many people around the world.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) becomes much more prevalent, leading to a rise in poor
mental health. This time of year can be challenging for anyone, but when your loved one is
already facing cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s or dementia, it may impact them more. As a
family caregiver, it’s important to be aware of this shift and know how to help. Here are a few
things to consider as you support your loved one during this time of year.
While there’s less daylight, there’s still plenty of it to be enjoyed. Try to help your loved one take
advantage of it whenever possible. Simple activities such as going for a walk, sharing a meal
outside, or sitting together on a porch or patio can be great ways to boost their mood without
putting too much strain on either one of you. Sunlight is a natural mood booster and can help
improve cognitive function—and even a small dose can brighten their day.
Sundowning is a major challenge for many people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and this time
of year can make it worse. As it gets darker earlier, pay close attention to how your loved one’s
moods and behaviors shift. With the new Brite Trace app, you can easily track these changes
through the Mood Tracker and Behavior Report. These tools will ensure you always have the
most up-to-date information right at your fingertips.
Other symptoms can worsen as a result of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Your loved one
relies on their body’s natural rhythms to help them gauge what time of day it is. When the sun
sets earlier than usual, it can disrupt these rhythms, leading to increased anxiety and confusion.
Your loved one may even struggle going to bed or sleeping through the night, which can cause
more irritability during the day. SAD lamps can simulate the missing sunlight during these
months, which can provide comfort for your loved one and help promote their normal rhythms.
You’re not immune to the challenges of this time of year either. Even though you may have to
focus more on your loved one, remember to prioritize your own well-being too. They depend on
you to care for them, but you can’t give them what they need if you’re not caring for yourself.
Every day with your loved one is a gift. As the seasons change, don’t miss out on new and
meaningful ways you can connect with one another. The way you spend your time together may
look different, but it’s just as valuable to them.
The new, free Brite Trace app can help you track you loved one’s moods. It can offer
suggestions about how to help them in a current situation and can also show trends in mood
and behaviors over time. The Brite Trace app is in the early, trial stage and we invite you to
download it and give it a try. And we welcome your input as we continue to improve the app.
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