local
Understanding sundowning: Why evenings can be difficult for people with memory loss
By LeAnne Gendreau, Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’Rourke, Rhea Rogers at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 24, 2026
· 4 min read
(Aging Untold) — If you care for someone with memory loss, late afternoons and evenings may bring changes that feel sudden or hard to understand. Sundowning is when confusion, anxiety or behavior changes increase later in the day. The Aging Untold experts are offering ways caregivers can look for...
Key takeaway Why sundowning can feel so sudden Sundowning can be especially challenging because families often do not understand what is happening in the brain, Sam Cradduck, a gerontologist, said.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Nashville , where the aging population is growing, understanding sundowning is crucial for caregivers and families supporting loved ones with memory loss. The city's caregivers can benefit from recognizing patterns and seeking help when needed, as experts from Aging Untold suggest. By considering the person's past routines and basic needs, such as hunger, thirst, or comfort, caregivers can better support their loved ones during late afternoons and evenings when confusion and anxiety may increase. Nashville's community resources, including gerontologists and board-certified physicians, can provide valuable guidance and support for families navigating the challenges of sundowning. As the city's population ages, it is essential for local caregivers to have access to these resources and expertise to ensure they can provide the best possible care for their loved ones. By doing so, Nashville can better support its aging residents and their families.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Aging Untold) — If you care for someone with memory loss, late afternoons and evenings may bring changes that feel sudden or hard to understand. Sundowning is when confusion, anxiety or behavior changes increase later in the day. The Aging Untold experts are offering ways caregivers can look for...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by LeAnne Gendreau, Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’Rourke, Rhea Rogers at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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