With Alzheimer’s receiving increasing focus in the media recently more people are vecoming aware of this condition and the impact it has on the daily lives of many people, especially carers. Incontinence is often a symptom of Alzheimer's but there are steps that can be taken to help manage the condition and remove it's impact.

Because Alzheimer's is a neurological disease, patients often have trouble recognizing physical urges or remembering where a bathroom is located, which can contribute to bladder or bowel incontinence and also certain drugs can also relax the bladder muscles or cause increased urination.

Some simple steps to help a loved one cope with dementia and incontinence are:

-Remind the person where the toilet is located, and encourage regular visits.

-Ensure the route to the toilet is clear of obstacles and well lit.

-Provide visual cues by painting the bathroom door a contrasting color and perhaps posting a toilet sign on the door.

-Make the toilet and bathroom safer with grab bars, a raised toilet seat and nightlights.

-Provide clothing that is easy to remove, with no complicated belts or buttons.

-Use an Incontinence Product Finder to choose disposable or washable undergarments by style, selecting a type your loved one can easily get on and off.

-Explain the importance of keeping skin clean, moisturized and protected, using products made to prevent breakdown and infection.

-Protect bedding and furniture with disposable or washable pads.

-Don’t cut down on fluids, which can lead to dangerous dehydration, but encourage your loved one to cut back before bedtime.

A Carer's Guide leaflet on with more information on how to help a loved one deal with incontinence, can be requested here.