Jun 18,2026
Every year on June 21st, communities across the world come together to participate in The Longest Day, the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual awareness and fundraising event. Held on the summer solstice—the day with the most sunlight—the event symbolizes hope, awareness, and the ongoing fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
For many families affected by dementia, however, the phrase “The Longest Day” has an even deeper meaning. As afternoon turns into evening, many individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease experience increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, or restlessness. This phenomenon, known as sundowning, can make the end of the day especially challenging for both the individual and their caregiver.
Understanding sundowning in dementia can help families better prepare for these behaviors while finding strategies to create calmer, more successful evenings.
The Longest Day is the Alzheimer’s Association’s largest fundraising and awareness initiative. Individuals, families, businesses, and communities participate in activities that honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease while raising funds for research, support services, and advocacy.
The event takes place on the summer solstice because it is the day with the most light—a powerful symbol of bringing hope and awareness to a disease that affects millions of individuals and families worldwide.
Learn more about The Longest Day:
https://www.alz.org/the-longest-day
For many caregivers, the name also reflects the reality that some days caring for a loved one with dementia can feel especially long, particularly when sundowning behaviors emerge.
Sundowning refers to a pattern of increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, or behavioral changes that typically occur during the late afternoon, evening, or nighttime hours in individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Although not everyone experiences sundowning, it is one of the most commonly reported behavioral challenges among dementia caregivers.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may change throughout the progression of dementia.
Learn more about sundowning:
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/sleep-issues-sundowning
Common symptoms may include:
These changes can be distressing for both the individual and the caregiver, particularly when they occur consistently each evening.
Researchers do not fully understand the exact causes of sundowning, but several factors are believed to contribute.
Alzheimer’s disease can affect areas of the brain responsible for regulating circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles. As these systems become disrupted, individuals may struggle to distinguish between day and night.
Living with dementia requires significant mental effort. By late afternoon, the brain may become fatigued, making it more difficult to process information, cope with stress, and regulate emotions.
As daylight fades, shadows become more pronounced and familiar surroundings may appear unfamiliar or confusing. Reduced lighting can increase anxiety and disorientation.
Pain, hunger, thirst, medication effects, constipation, or the need to use the restroom may all contribute to behavioral changes, particularly when communication abilities have declined.
Busy schedules, excessive noise, changes in routine, or overstimulating environments can increase stress and make evening transitions more difficult.
The National Institute on Aging offers additional information about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related symptoms:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia
Sundowning affects more than the person living with dementia. It can also place significant emotional, physical, and mental demands on family caregivers.
Many caregivers report that evenings become the most stressful part of the day, requiring increased supervision, reassurance, and support.
Watching a loved one become confused, fearful, or distressed can be heartbreaking. Caregivers often experience sadness, frustration, guilt, and feelings of helplessness.
Evening agitation and nighttime wakefulness can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to chronic fatigue and increased health risks for caregivers.
Without adequate support and respite, caregivers may experience burnout, affecting their physical health, emotional well-being, and ability to continue providing care.
The Family Caregiver Alliance offers valuable caregiver education and support resources:
https://www.caregiver.org
While there is no single solution that works for everyone, several strategies may help reduce evening confusion and agitation.
Predictability often provides comfort and security. Keeping meals, activities, and bedtime routines consistent may help reduce anxiety.
Meaningful engagement, exercise, and social interaction throughout the day may promote healthier sleep patterns and reduce restlessness.
Regular exposure to natural daylight can help support healthy circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality.
Limiting caffeine, sugary foods, heavy meals, and excessive screen time later in the day may help create a calmer evening experience.
As evening approaches:
Regularly check for signs of hunger, thirst, pain, fatigue, or discomfort that may be contributing to agitation.
Many families find that structured daytime engagement helps reduce several factors associated with sundowning.
Adult day programs provide meaningful opportunities for socialization, cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and routine.
Consistent schedules can provide comfort and predictability throughout the day.
Purposeful activities help individuals remain mentally active while promoting confidence and success.
Movement, conversation, and social engagement support both emotional and physical well-being.
Adult day programs provide caregivers with valuable time to work, attend appointments, rest, or focus on their own well-being.
The Longest Day reminds us that Alzheimer’s disease affects far more than memory. It impacts families, relationships, routines, and daily life.
Across the country, individuals participate in walks, fitness challenges, educational programs, and community events to honor loved ones affected by dementia and support continued research and advocacy.
Most importantly, the event serves as a reminder that no caregiver should face the dementia journey alone.
For families living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, sundowning can make even ordinary evenings feel overwhelming. Understanding why these behaviors occur and learning practical strategies to respond can help create calmer, more successful days.
As we recognize The Longest Day this June, let us also recognize the resilience of caregivers, the importance of support, and the value of meaningful engagement for those living with dementia.
Because while some days may feel long, no family should have to navigate the dementia journey alone.
If you are caring for a loved one living with dementia, an adult day program may provide meaningful engagement, social connection, routine, and valuable caregiver respite.
At Elder-Well®, we believe in creating purpose-filled days that support both older adults and the families who care for them. Contact us to learn how our person-centered adult day programs help individuals remain engaged, connected, and supported while giving
Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding our services or to schedule a visit.