Cyclical Alzheimer’s Aggression Pathway Uncovered

Patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia commonly exhibit increased aggression, delirium, and agitation during the early evening, a phenomenon known as "sundowning". These symptoms take a huge toll on patients’ families and caregivers, and are the most common reason that patients are institutionalized. Until now, however, it hasn’t been known whether this daily pattern of waxing and waning agitation and hostility is directly regulated by the body’s ce