To save this word, you'll need to log in.
sun·down·ing | \ ˈsən-ˌdau̇n-iŋ 
\
\Medical Definition of sundowning
: 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, 23 Aug. 1990
Comments on sundowning
What made you want to look up sundowning? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share sundowning