How Seasonal Changes Can Affect People Living With Dementia
Seasonal changes can be challenging for people living with dementia. Fluctuations in daylight, temperature, and daily routines may affect mood, sleep, and behaviour. These changes can also impact family members and carers, especially when symptoms become more noticeable during certain times of the year.
Understanding how the seasons influence dementia can help you organise your home and routines to feel calmer and more supportive.
Why seasonal change matters in dementia
People living with dementia often rely on routine, familiarity, and environmental cues to feel secure. When daylight hours change or daily patterns shift, these cues can become confusing. As a result, anxiety, restlessness, or disrupted sleep may increase.
Seasonal changes can also affect energy levels and emotional wellbeing, particularly during spring and autumn when clocks change.
Sundowning and changes in daylight
One common symptom linked to seasonal change is sundowning. Sundowning refers to increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness that typically happens in the late afternoon or early evening.
As daylight diminishes earlier or light levels fluctuate, the brain may find it difficult to judge the time of day. Shadows, dimmer rooms, and reduced natural light can make familiar spaces seem strange. This can cause distress, pacing, or behavioural changes as the day comes to an end.
Maintaining consistent lighting and avoiding sudden brightness changes can help lessen the effects of sundowning.
Circadian rhythm and the spring clock change
The circadian rhythm is the body’s natural internal clock. It controls sleep, wakefulness, and daily routines. Dementia can already influence this rhythm, and clock changes in spring can cause further disturbance.
When clocks go forward, even a single hour shift can seem significant. People living with dementia might experience:
- Difficulty settling at night
- Waking earlier than usual
- Increased confusion around time
- Changes in appetite or energy
Because their sense of time may already feel uncertain, gradually adjusting routines before and after the clock change can help make the transition easier.
Other ways seasonal changes can affect dementia
Seasonal changes can also introduce other challenges:
- Temperature fluctuations: Warmer or colder weather can impact comfort and lead to confusion around clothing choices.
- Routine disruption: Spring and summer often attract more visitors or activity, which can feel overwhelming.
- Environmental changes: Such as brighter light, open windows, or alterations in sound, can influence concentration and calmness.
Maintaining daily routines as consistent as possible helps offer reassurance during these transitions.
How the home environment can help
A calm, familiar home is essential in helping someone living with dementia cope with seasonal changes.
Helpful steps include:
- Using gentle, consistent lighting in the late afternoon and evening
- Drawing curtains before dusk to minimise shadows
- Keeping rooms tidy and free of clutter to prevent visual confusion
- Maintaining familiar furniture arrangements and routines
- Supporting regular sleep and mealtimes
A clean, well-organised home also lowers background stress for both the individual and their carers.
Support during seasonal transitions
At Merry Maids UK, we know that small changes can make a big difference. We are proud to support Alzheimer’s Society through our fundraising efforts, and all of our maids are dementia-trained through Alzheimer’s Society.
Support the Alzheimer’s Society by making a donation here – https://www.justgiving.com/team/merrymaidsuk
Being Alzheimer’s and Dementia trained helps our teams work with extra care, understanding, and sensitivity in homes where someone may be living with dementia. A consistent, respectful cleaning routine can help maintain comfort and familiarity during seasonal changes.
If you would like support keeping your home calm and cared for, find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a clean online or call 0800 021 3072 today.
