One of the bigger issues with the Alzheimer’s patient as the disease progresses is that she may become incontinent, no longer being able to control their bowel and bladder muscles effectively. By preparing for this ahead of time and being aware of the issue, you should find this problem much easier to deal with. Just keep reading to learn more about the problem and how to handle it.
When Does Alzheimer’s Incontinence Begin?
Experts say that around stage seven of Alzheimer’s, your loved one can start to lose control of their bowels and bladder muscles. Of course, every person who has the disease is different. It is not unusual for someone in the earlier stages of the disease to also have this problem.
What Causes Incontinence in Alzheimer’s Patients?
The causes can be various. It may be a temporary problem because of the drug that your loved one is taking. Or, the problem might be a urinary tract infection. It also could be because the nerve impulses that usually are sent to the brain that tells a person to use the restroom are no longer working. Also, your loved one just may not be able to understand she needs to use the bathroom any longer. This problem also could be caused because she can’t find the bathroom, or cannot get her clothes removed in time.
What To Do About Bed Wetting?
This problem can be reduced by cutting down on the drinks she has at night. It could be easier for both of you if she has a portable toilet right next to her bed. Also, consider using Alzheimer’s incontinence products, such as disposable underwear, to help make clean up easier. If your loved one does not like to sleep with one of these products, you might put an underpad sheet under her bed sheets so urine does not get into the mattress.
How Can I Help My Loved One to Locate the Bathroom?
A good idea is to leave the bathroom door open with the light on at night. You can try to use colored duct tape to mark a path that leads to the toilet. You also can try to post an image of a toilet on the door of the bathroom so she remembers what is in that room. You might also try to alter the color of the toilet so she can see the difference between the toilet and the floor.
Helpful Alzheimer’s Supplies for Toileting
The URSEC Spillproof Male Urinal
There are a number of very convenient and inexpensive Alzheimer’s aids for toileting needs. Sunzyme Natural Odor Eliminator is an unscented odor eliminating spray that you can use both in bed and in the bathroom to control odor. For bedtime use, consider the URSEC Spillproof Male Urinal that has an anti-reflux system that prevents spillage.