Alzheimer's disease and urinary incontinence often go hand in hand. The inability to control bladder or bowel function is called incontinence, a condition that is often seen in middle to late stage Alzheimer's patients. Urinary incontinence leads to decreased quality of life as well as physical and psychological impairments, according to the National Association for Continence. Implementing a variety of lifestyle changes in the Alzheimer's victim's routine may assist with managing the condition. However, the condition generally progresses over time as the disease continues to develop.
Step 1
Identify the cause of incontinence. Look for clues that immediate incidences of incontinence are caused by urinary tract infections or diabetes and not Alzheimer's disease. Check urine for signs of a UTI, which might include odor, cloudiness and dark amber coloration. Increased blood sugar may cause increased urination, so you should check diabetic patients' blood sugar levels. Some medications, such as sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs, can relax the bladder and lead to incontinence, reports the Alzheimer's Association.
Step 2
Encourage the Alzheimer's patient to drink water, juice or milk. Avoid liquids such as coffee, tea or soda, which are diuretics and increase urination. Never withhold fluids---this may cause a UTI and increase incontinence and other complications.
Step 3
Place large signs on bathroom doors with the word "bathroom" printed in large, bold font for easy identification. Alternatively, a picture of a toilet on the door is also easy for an Alzheimer's victim to identify. Clear the path to the bathroom and ensure the area is well lit, advises the Alzheimer's Association. Remove wastebaskets, plants and other containers often misidentified as urinals or toilet bowls. Install a motion sensitive light in the bathroom, which turns on when a person enters the room.
Step 4
Observe an Alzheimer's patient for nonverbal cues that indicate that he needs to use the bathroom. Look for restlessness, agitation, anxiety or pacing. A person may suddenly become very quiet or attempt to hide, explains the Alzheimer's Association. Identify trigger words indicating the need to use the bathroom. For example, an Alzheimer's patient may state "I need to find my room" when the urge to urinate arises.
Step 5
Provide clothing that is easy to remove. Do not supply clothes with excessive buttons or hard to adjust belts. Assist the Alzheimer's patients with removing the clothes, but continue to encourage independence as much as possible. Respect the need for privacy---leave the room after assisting with the loosening of clothing.
Step 6
Use incontinence briefs and pads when going on trips outside of the home. Do not generate unnecessary conversation about the briefs--treat the products as a regular undergarment. Try several different products and involve the patient in choosing the brief style she will be wearing, suggests Caregiver.com.
Tips and Warnings
- Understand incontinence briefs are a common necessity during the late and end stages of Alzheimer's.
- Never refer to incontinence briefs as diapers or use inappropriate language when referring to urinary accidents to avoid belittling the Alzheimer's patient.
Things You'll Need
- Bathroom signs
- Toilet picture
- Motion sensitive light
- Clothing without excessive buttons, zippers or closures
- Incontinence pads or briefs
