The Gerontologist, Vol 33, Issue 6 756-761, Copyright © 1993 by The Gerontological Society of America

ARTICLES

Sundown syndrome: is it reflected in the use of PRN medications for nursing home residents?

ME Exum, BJ Phelps, KE Nabers and JG Osborne
Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan 84322-2810.

Sundown syndrome describes the increase in agitation and delirium in elderly patients with dementia that occurs in the evening after sunset. In a nursing home, data were gathered over a year-long period to test the hypothesis that the administration of PRN (pro re nata, given as needed) medications for agitation in Alzheimer's patients would reflect sundown syndrome. More PRNs were administered in the early morning and mid-afternoon hours than at other times of the day. These outcomes suggest there is a relationship of PRN use for agitation, in institutionalized Alzheimer's patients, to environmental variables other than sunset.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. Volicer, D. G. Harper, B. C. Manning, R. Goldstein, and A. Satlin Sundowning and Circadian Rhythms in Alzheimer's Disease Am J Psychiatry, May 1, 2001; 158(5): 704 - 711. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				M. N. Kane Mental health issues and Alzheimer's disease American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, March 1, 1999; 14(2): 102 - 110. [Abstract] [PDF]