sundowning

noun

sun·​down·​ing ˈsən-ˌdau̇n-iŋ How to pronounce sundowning (audio)
: a state of increased agitation, confusion, disorientation, and anxiety that typically occurs in the late afternoon or evening in some individuals affected with dementia
Sundowning is a major problem in the middle and late stages of disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, that cause dementia.Patricia N. Prinz et al., The New England Journal of Medicine

Dictionary Entries Near sundowning

Cite this Entry

“Sundowning.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/sundowning. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!