You’re sitting in an important meeting when suddenly you feel that all-too-familiar tingle below the belt. You subtly cross your legs and hope nobody notices your panic as you try to focus on anything besides the fullness in your bladder.
You’ve been there before—that desperate urge to use the bathroom at the worst possible moment. But for most, it’s something you can hold in or excuse yourself to care for. However, as you age, maintaining bladder control becomes difficult. And for seniors with dementia, it’s more than just a nuisance – it’s a daily struggle.
Seeing the effects of dementia on bladder control firsthand can illuminate the unique challenges it brings. What starts as occasional dribbling can progress to frequent, full-blown accidents throughout the day. Social embarrassment can take a significant toll on the dignity of those afflicted. But there must be better ways to manage the symptoms compassionately.
Through research crucial insights emerge on why incontinence appears in dementia. The strategies that help restore control and reduce accidents can make a real difference in quality of life. If you or a loved one deal with this issue, know you’re not alone.
Read on to understand what causes incontinence in dementia, how it impacts daily living, and most importantly, how we can handle it with care and empathy.
Why the Urge Can’t Wait
To grasp what leads to incontinence with dementia, it helps to look at what’s happening in the brain and body. There are two critical factors at play:
- Changes to the brain areas involved in bladder control
- Reduced reasoning and impulse control
In some forms of dementia such as Frontotemporal disorders (FTD), there is progressive damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These important regions help regulate the signals about when to hold and go. As dementia advances, the nerves in these areas can deteriorate.
You can imagine the bladder signaling system is like a switchboard. Dementia interferes with the wiring, leading to crossed signals and misfires. Just as electrical wiring issues in a home can cause problems, the brain struggles to relay accurate messages about when the bladder feels full and needs release.
In addition, dementia impairs executive functions like logic, concentration, and self-control. People living with dementia can have difficulty using judgment to resist urges and delay urinating. Accidents understandably occur if the signaling system falters, and it’s hard to reason through the need.
When inconsistent signaling couples with reduced impulse control, the pull towards incontinence strengthens. While our brains are not conspiring against us, these changes make maintaining bladder control more challenging.
In the case of a senior with dementia, being aware of helpful products sets us up to find thoughtful solutions. This is where absorbent adult pull-on diapers can help. These products provide backup protection against leaks for those with dementia who experience sudden urges or accidents. Instead of causing embarrassment, pull-on allows people to stay active and engaged without worry.
The Toll of Losing Control
As many caregivers know, incontinence in dementia patients leads to a host of additional problems. Here are some of the most common issues:
- Frequent UTIs – When accidents happen, bacteria enter the urinary tract more efficiently, leading to painful infections
- Skin irritation and rashes – Wetness from uncontrollable leaking causes redness and irritation in the groin region.
- Immobility – Fear of having an accident causes reluctance to move around, leading to loss of strength and flexibility
- Isolation – Many dementia patients withdraw socially due to lack of control
- Increased falls – Rushing urgently to the bathroom and tripping over discarded clothes results in more injuries
- Loss of independence – More dependence on caregivers for cleaning up and changing clothes causes distress
- Agitation – Frustration over loss of control and lack of dignity after accidents causes acting out
As a caregiver, dealing with all these additional challenges compounds the difficulties of dementia. Seeing your parents hesitate to go out or engage due to constant wetness is heartbreaking. You have to find better ways to cope, and that includes using high-quality adult briefs made with super-absorbent material.
Regaining Dignity Through a Soothing Routine
The key to maintaining bladder control in dementia patients is establishing a predictable, soothing routine around toileting. Since the senior can no longer control signals accurately, we must create an external control system.
It needs patience and some trial and error, but being proactive will be very helpful for your senior. Here are some of the strategies you can implement:
- Take the senior to the toilet every two hours during the day before urgency strikes
- Use verbal and visual cues like an alarm sound and toilet signage to remind them
- Assist them in relaxing and releasing by running water and providing privacy
- Respond immediately if they show any signs of needing the bathroom
- Use Wellness Brief’s adult incontinence products and waterproof pads to contain accidental leaks
- Keep a bag ready with clean clothes, wipes and ointment for quick changes
- Schedule toilet visits around mealtimes when digestion triggers urination
- Note any patterns around accidents and adjust the routine accordingly
- Keep the bathroom clutter-free with grab bars, nightlights and raised toilet seats
The key is staying one step ahead of accidents while focusing on dignity. With a structured routine to use the toilet and products to manage occasional leaks, your senior will have much more confidence and comfort.
While incontinence presents unique challenges for dementia patients, there are always ways we can minimize frustration and maintain their sense of self-worth. Our loved ones want to feel capable and clean. Therefore, do a little planning; it will go a long way.
Final Thoughts: Never Hesitate to Seek Solutions
For caregivers dealing with incontinence and dementia, it’s important to know there are options to help restore control. Establishing a consistent routine around bladder function can make a significant difference, even though it requires diligence and patience.
There are also emerging therapies, treatments and products to explore that may improve the situation. Seeking input from doctors or specialists should not be hesitated if accidents persist – they can provide valuable insight on potential causes and next steps.
Without a doubt, managing incontinence with dementia poses challenges. However, implementing a thoughtful routine, reassuring, and preserving dignity can help. A little compassion goes a long way.
With the right mix of preparation, products and professional support, control can be regained, and embarrassment minimized. People caring for those with dementia and incontinence issues have more ability to make a positive difference than they may realize.