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| Dianna Malkowski |
by Dianna Malkowski,
Physician Assistant & Nutritionist
A recent study shows
patients diagnosed with symptoms of dementia are more likely to be incontinent.
Following are practical tips for managing incontinence while coping with
dementia and information on how one company is engaging minds and funding
Alzheimer’s research.
Patients diagnosed
with dementia have three times the rate of diagnosis of urinary incontinence
and four times the rate of fecal incontinence, according to a study published
in August in PLOS Medicine, a journal of the Public Library of Science.
Dementia refers to a set of symptoms, which may include loss of recent memory,
poor judgment, or difficulty with language or performing familiar tasks.
Alzheimer’s, a neurological disease, accounts for a large percentage of
dementia cases, although there are other causes.
When patients have
trouble recognizing physical urges or remembering where a bathroom is located,
it can contribute to bladder or bowel incontinence. Certain medications also
relax the bladder muscles or cause increased urination.
The Alzheimer’s
Association is a valuable source of tips for helping a loved one cope with
dementia and incontinence. Here are some ideas:
1. Regular reminders
of where a bathroom is located.
2. Encouraging a
regular bathroom schedule.
3. Ensuring the path
to the bathroom is well lit and free of obstacles.
4. Proving visual
cues, such as painting the bathroom door a contrasting color and posting a
toilet sign on the door.
5. Increasing
bathroom safety with grab bars, a raised toilet seat and a bath bench.
6. Providing
clothing that is easy to remove, with no complicated belts or buttons.
7. Using an
Incontinence Product Finder to narrow down products by gender, absorbency,
style and price.
8. Explaining the
importance of keeping skin clean, moisturized and protected, using products
made to prevent breakdown and infection.
9. Protecting
bedding and furniture with disposable pads.
10. Encouraging a
loved one to cut back on fluids before bedtime or long trips, but never
withholding fluids, which can lead to dangerous dehydration.
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| R.O.S. Benefit Bundle is designed to keep minds active. |
In 2012, The
CareGiver Partnership joined forces with R.O.S. Therapy Systems, a North
Carolina company that develops activity tools for seniors and adults living
with dementia, Parkinson’s, and various physical and developmental challenges.
R.O.S. products are designed to stimulate social interaction, increase
engagement and positive emotions, and promote use of cognitive abilities. Each
R.O.S. Benefit Bundle includes coupons for valuable savings from partnering
organizations like The CareGiver Partnership and Visiting Angels. For each
Benefit Bundle sold, R.O.S. donates $50 to the Alzheimer’s Association to help
fund research and support programs.
The Public Library
of Science is a nonprofit publisher headquartered in San Francisco, with an
editorial office in the United Kingdom. It advocates open-access publishing as
a sustainable way to publish peer-reviewed research. Read the full article on
dementia and incontinence.
Dianna Malkowski is
a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist
specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets and
nutrition support. She serves on the board of professional advisors for The
CareGiver Partnership and enjoys working with patients and caregivers alike.
Ask Dianna a question or call The CareGiver Partnership's team of Product Specialists at
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