Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test

A newly admitted elderly client becomes confused and agitated after dinner. What condition might they be suffering from?

1. Alzheimer's disease

2. Sundown syndrome

3. Dementia

4. Anxiety disorder

The correct answer is: Sundown syndrome

The condition that the elderly client is likely suffering from is Sundown Syndrome, often referred to as "sundowning." This phenomenon occurs in some individuals with dementia or cognitive impairment, where they exhibit increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, and sometimes behavioral disturbances during the late afternoon and evening hours. Sundowning can be triggered by a variety of factors, including fatigue, changes in lighting, and disruptions in routine, which can create an environment that can overwhelm someone who is already experiencing cognitive challenges. It is particularly common in dementia patients, making it a plausible explanation for the client's confusion and agitation after dinner. Sundown Syndrome specifically points to the change in behavior related to the time of day, distinguishing it from broader categories like Alzheimer's disease or general dementia, as those conditions encompass a wider range of symptoms and do not inherently include the time-related behavioral changes associated with sundowning.