Urinary incontinence can often occur as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. But just because it is a common feature of Alzheimer’s does not mean that the causes should not be investigated. People with Alzheimer’s can, of course, get sick too.
In this article I will look at challenging the assumption that age and incontinence go together - that nothing can be done to improve the situation. Finding the cause can help sort out, sometimes fix, but certainly improve this distressing condition and improve the lives of both the sufferer and the caregivers.
A Common Problem Urinary incontinence may be a temporary or permanent condition, depending on the underlying cause, and is more common in women than men. It is difficult to estimate the number of men and women affected as it is an under reported condition, but it probably affects one in 10 people over 65 yrs, that’s about 13 million adults in the United States alone. In Britain it has been estimated that 17% of people over the age of 65 yrs are affected. It is certainly true that incontinence is more prevalent in the elderly population.
Factors that need remembering
Some Other causes of urinary incontinence
Side effect of some medicines- Sedatives and diuretics
Diseases of the genital and urinary system, particularly infection i.e. infection of the urinary tract or vagina, cancer, prostate and bladder.
Disorders and diseases of the stomach and gut - constipation, impaction of feces, anal-vaginal fistulas
Mental States such as depression, confusion, as well as other psychiatric overlay conditions
Diabetes Mellitus can cause an underactive bladder which results in painless urine retention, overflow and infection
Diseases of the Central Nervous System such as epilepsy, stroke or cancer
What to do When incontinence begins If a client or loved one starts to experience urinary incontinence don't just put the condition down to Alzheimer’s disease. Ask your family doctor for an examination and run a few tests to investigate its cause. The causes can then be treated appropriately. It can be very helpful for your heathcare team if you can make a note of the problems, how often and when the incontinence occurs and your views of why it is occuring. It all makes for an accurate diagnosis.
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