Understanding the Link Between Dementia & Incontinence Intro
Dementia Action Week is held every September to raise awareness and improve support for people living with dementia, their families, and carers. The week highlights the importance of breaking down stigma, increasing understanding, and making our communities more dementia-friendly.
While memory loss and cognitive changes are the most recognised symptoms of dementia, there is another important aspect that often isn’t talked about: how dementia can affect bladder and bowel control. At IncontinenceProducts.com.au, we believe in shining a light on this challenge and providing resources to help families feel supported.
How Dementia Can Affect Continence
Dementia may contribute to bladder and bowel difficulties in different ways, including:
Memory loss: Forgetting where the toilet is, or not recognising the urge to go.
Mobility challenges: Reduced movement can make it harder to reach the toilet in time.
Communication barriers: Difficulty expressing the need to use the toilet.
Medication side effects: Some medicines may increase urgency or frequency.
These factors can cause distress for both the person with dementia and their carers, but understanding the causes is the first step towards support.
Practical Support for Carers & Families
Managing incontinence alongside dementia can be challenging, but there are strategies and small changes that can make daily life easier, safer, and more comfortable for both the person living with dementia and their carers:
Create routines: Encourage regular toilet visits throughout the day to reduce accidents. Consistent routines can help the person anticipate when to go and build confidence.
Make bathrooms easy to find: Clear signage, good lighting, and clean pathways reduce confusion and prevent falls. Consider using contrasting colours or visual signs for toilets and bathrooms.
Choose easy-to-remove clothing: Adaptive clothing, elastic waistbands, or simple-fastening garments support independence and reduce frustration during toileting.
Use continence products: Pads, protective underwear, mattress protectors, and bed pads can reduce stress, protect dignity, and make care easier. Consider products suited to the level of incontinence and comfort needs.
Monitor hydration and diet: Ensuring adequate fluid intake while avoiding bladder irritants (like caffeine or very acidic foods) can help manage symptoms.
Encourage gentle exercise and mobility: Maintaining movement, where possible, can support bladder and bowel function and overall well-being.
Provide reassurance and maintain dignity: Approach toileting support with patience, kindness, and respect to reduce anxiety or embarrassment.
Seek professional guidance: A continence nurse, GP, or occupational therapist can provide personalised advice, suggest suitable products, and recommend strategies tailored to the individual’s needs.
Access support networks: Carer support groups and online communities can offer practical tips, emotional support, and shared experiences from others in similar situations.
By implementing these strategies, carers can better manage the challenges of incontinence alongside dementia while helping maintain comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
Where to Find More Information
If you would like to explore more, here are some useful resources:
Dementia affects far more than memory, and when incontinence becomes part of the picture, it can add another layer of stress for families and carers. By opening up conversations, sharing resources, and providing access to the right products, we can help people living with dementia maintain comfort and dignity.
At IncontinenceProducts.com.au, we’re here to support you with a wide range of continence and healthcare solutions, all in one place.