Managing Alzheimer's Incontinence Issues

For individuals and caregivers, it should be anticipated that they may be responsible for managing Alzheimer's incontinence issues. Bowel and bladder problems are likely and become more prevalent in the later stages of dementia. Precautionary steps such as setting a schedule, limiting consumption, using incontinence products, and monitoring activity can help to address and prevent accidents.

Set and maintain a regular toileting schedule to help maintain consistency in bowel and bladder movement. Occasionally, it may help to use fiber, laxatives, or enemas to augment natural changes in order to maintain regularity. Setting, documenting, and affecting a regular toileting schedule can help to prevent loss of bowel or bladder control.

Managing Alzheimer's incontinence issues is more than just responding to accidents and bathroom schedules. To help control bowel and bladder function, consider holding to a regular food and drink schedule. This would entail planning meal times when the digestive process would not interfere with travel, activity, or rest.

There is no sure way to avoid accidental loss of bladder or bowel control, so be sure to take advantage of available incontinence products. Items like adult briefs and underpads are designed for effectively managing Alzheimer's incontinence issues. Absorbent products can help an affected individual to maintain dignity while controlling the effects of lost bowel or bladder control.

One of the most important, and often neglected, parts of managing Alzheimer's incontinence issues is proper cleanup and skin care. Accidents can happen, but left unattended, urine and fecal matter can cause serious skin degradation resulting in pain and infection. There is an abundance of skin cleansers, creams, and ointments that can be used to maintain healthy skin.