Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide (cont.)
In this Article
Incontinence in a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
As the disease progresses, many people with Alzheimer's disease begin to experience
incontinence, or the inability to control their bladder and/or
bowels.
Incontinence can be upsetting to the person and difficult for the caregiver.
Sometimes incontinence is due to physical illness, so be sure to discuss it with
the person's doctor.
- Have a routine for taking the person to the bathroom and stick to it as
closely as possible. For example, take the person to the bathroom every 3 hours
or so during the day. Don't wait for the person to ask.
- Watch for signs that the
person may have to go to the bathroom, such as restlessness or pulling at
clothes. Respond quickly.
- Be understanding when accidents occur. Stay calm and
reassure the person if he or she is upset. Try to keep track of when accidents
happen to help plan ways to avoid them.
- To help prevent nighttime accidents,
limit certain types of fluids - such as those with caffeine - in the evening.
- If you
are going to be out with the person, plan ahead. Know where restrooms are
located, and have the person wear simple, easy-to-remove clothing. Take an extra
set of clothing along in case of an accident.
Sleep Problems for Caregivers and a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
For the exhausted caregiver, sleep can't come too soon. For many people with
Alzheimer's disease, however, the approach of nighttime may be a difficult time. Many people with
Alzheimer's disease become restless, agitated, and irritable around dinnertime, often referred to
as "sundowning" syndrome. Getting the person to go to bed and stay there may
require some advance planning.
- Encourage exercise during the day and limit daytime napping, but make sure
that the person gets adequate rest during the day because fatigue can increase
the likelihood of late afternoon restlessness.
- Try to schedule more physically demanding activities earlier in the day. For
example, bathing could be earlier in the morning, or large family meals could be
at midday.
- Set a quiet, peaceful tone in the evening to encourage sleep. Keep
the lights dim, eliminate loud noises, even play soothing music if the person
seems to enjoy it.
- Try to keep bedtime at a similar time each evening.
Developing a bedtime routine may help.
- Restrict access to caffeine late in the
day.
- Use night lights in the bedroom, hall, and bathroom if the darkness is
frightening or disorienting.
Next: Hallucinations and Delusions in a Person with Alzheimer's Disease »
- Anxiety - Read about anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, GAD) causes, physical symptoms and signs, medications and treatment. Learn about symptoms (worry, fear) and other types of anxiety disorders.
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- Dehydration - Read about dehydration (definition: excessive water loss) in children, treatment, symptoms (thirst, dry mouth, dark urine) and causes (vomiting, diarrhea).
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