Incontinence And Alzheimer’s Disease 10 TIPS

Incontinence And Alzheimer’s Disease 10 TIPS. People with Alzheimer’s disease frequently have problems with urinary and / or faecal incontinence.

The causes are multiple, often induced by the symptoms of the disease, namely loss of memory and disorientation in time and space: no longer knowing where the toilets are or no longer recognizing them, no longer feeling the need to go to the bathroom, the stress caused by this loss of benchmarks but also the side effects of some drugs.

As a specialist, iD Expert you to support your loved ones or your patients:

About iD Expert. To help you get on with your life!

HERE ARE 10 TIPS TO HELP THE PATIENT ON A DAILY BASIS:

1. Faced with an episode of incontinence for the person, de-dramatize the situation.

2. Keep calm and make sure the person does not feel guilty.

3. Respect their bodily intimacy as much as possible in a suitable place.

4. Try to reduce the amount of fluid ingested just before bedtime.

5. Get the person to go to the bathroom at a fixed time.

6. Observe non-verbal signs, agitation, grimaces, silences… These reactions may indicate that the person needs to go to the toilet.

7. Try to identify the words or phrases that mean the person needs to go to the bathroom. There may be no relationship to the need to go to the bathroom.

8. Use simple words and clear formulas to talk about toilet use.

9. Make sure access to the toilet is easy clearing the way.

10. Clearly identify the toilet by color or indication and leave the door open so that the toilet is plainly visible.

Questions about this? Do not hesitate to contact an association or to ask your doctor for help.

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Incontinence: Alzheimer´s and Demencia Caregiver Centre

Incontinence: Many people will experience incontinence (a loss of bladder or bowel control) in the later stages of Alzheimer’s andincontinence other dementias.

Alzheimer´s And Demencia Caregiver Centre

There are many causes, as well as ways to help manage incontinence. How you respond can help the person with dementia retain a sense of dignity.

• Causes

• How to respond

• Tips for managing incontinence

Causes of incontinence

Incontinence can be caused by many factors, including an inability to recognize the need to use the restroom, forgetting where the bathroom is located, medications, stress, certain physical conditions, clothing that is difficult to remove and constipation.

If a person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia has recently started to lose control of his or her bladder and bowels, the first and most important step is to determine possible causes.

If incontinence is a new problem, consult with the doctor to rule out potential causes such as a urinary tract infection, weak pelvic muscles or medications.

Consider medical conditions, medication side effects and obstacles that may be causing or contributing to the problem:

Medical conditions that can cause incontinence:

• Urinary tract infection, constipation or prostate problem
• Diabetes, stroke or a muscular disorder such as Parkinson’s disease
• Physical disabilities that prevent the person from reaching the bathroom in time
• Medications and diuretics that can cause incontinence:

Sleeping pills and anxiety-reducing drugs that may relax the bladder muscles

Drinks such as cola, coffee and tea, which can act as diuretics; a diuretic increases urination

Environment and clothing obstacles that can contribute to incontinence:

• Not being able to find the bathroom
• Obstacles on the way to the bathroom, such as furniture or clutter
• Clothing that is difficult to remove

How to Respond

▷ Be Supportive

Reassure the person to reduce feelings of embarrassment. Find ways to preserve dignity. For example say, “Anyone can have an accident” instead of saying, “You wet yourself.”

Be matter-of-fact; don’t scold or make the person feel guilty.

Respect the need for privacy as much as possible.

Do not withhold fluids. This can cause dehydration, which can lead to a urinary tract infection, increased incontinence and agitated behavior. You may, however, want to limit fluids before bed.

Get more help if you are affected by this issue by calling us at 800.272.3900 or join ALZConnected, our online support community where caregivers like you share tips for managing incontinence.

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▷ Communiate

• Encourage the person to tell you when he or she needs to use the toilet.
• Watch for nonverbal cues, such as restlessness, making unusual sounds or faces, pacing, sudden silence or hiding in corners. These cues may indicate the need to use the toilet.
• Use adult words rather than baby talk to refer to using the toilet.
• Learn the person’s trigger words or phrases for needing to use the toilet. The person may use words that have nothing to do with toileting (e.g., “I can’t find the light”), but to that person, it means going to the bathroom. Communication challenges often increase in the late stage of the disease.
• Some people do well when they are reminded to go to the bathroom on a regular schedule, perhaps every two hours.

▷ Make it easy to find and use the toilet

• Clear the path to the bathroom by moving furniture.
• Keep the bathroom door open so the toilet is visible.
• Make the bathroom standout. For example, place colored rugs on the bathroom floor and lid covers or post a sign of a toilet on the bathroom door.
• Make the toilet safe and easy to use. Raise the toilet seat, install grab bars on both sides, and use nightlights to illuminate the bedroom and bath.
• Consider a portable commode or urinal for the bedroom in case of nighttime accidents.
• Remove plants, wastebaskets and other objects that could be mistaken for a toilet.
• Remove throw rugs that may cause a person to trip and fall.

▷ Tips for managing incontinence

1. Watch for nonverbal cues such as tugging on clothing, restlessness, facial expressions, pacing, sudden silence or hiding behind furniture.These cues may indicate the need to use the toilet. Identify when accidents occur, then plan for them. If they happen every two hours, get the person to the bathroom before that time.
2. Remind the person to use the bathroom just before his or her usual time. Try setting a regular schedule for toilet use. For example, help the person to the bathroom first thing in the morning, every two hours during the day, immediately after meals and just before bedtime.
3. Choose clothing that is easy to remove and to clean.
4. Consider using incontinence products, such as waterproof mattress covers, incontinence pads on the person’s bed, padded undergarments or adult briefs.
5. Give the person plenty of time in the bathroom to empty his or her bladder and bowels.
6. Run water in the sink or give the person a drink to stimulate urination.
7. Check the toilet to see if the person has urinated and/or moved his or her bowels.

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ALZHEIMER World Alzheimer’s Day

ALZHEIMER World Alzheimer’s Day. Unite against dementia on World Alzheimer’s Day.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/world-alzheimers-day

What is World Alzheimer’s Day?

Every year World Alzheimer’s Day takes place on 21 September.

And is the focus of World Alzheimer’s Month in September.

It’s an opportunity for organisations and individuals around the world.

• to raise awareness,
• highlight issues faced by people affected by dementia
• and demonstrate how we can overcome them to help people live well with dementia.

Globally, dementia is one of the biggest challenges we face, with nearly 50 million people living with dementia worldwide. To tackle this global dementia challenge we need to work together, and to collaborate and share best practice with one another.

This is why we have committed to work with partners on global research and campaigning, to share our learning, best practice and experience with one another.

To share Dementia Friends as a global movement.

And to forge partnerships as part of the Global Alzheimer’s & Dementia Action Alliance.

Find out more about our international work and how you can be part of the global movement.

Tracey, 51, who was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia, talks about her dementia journey from diagnosis to the support she has received from Alzheimer’s Society.

Tracey has found much needed support from our Helpline, online community Talking Point and our website info and advice.

This World Alzheimer’s day we want to make sure that everyone affected by dementia knows that we are here for them.

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Alzheimer 8 Ways to Promote Sleep for Alzheimer’s Patients

Alzheimer 8 Ways to Promote Sleep for Alzheimer’s Patients; One of the most common conditions that elderly patients have to deal with is Alzheimer’s disease.

www.seniorplanning.org

Alzheimer’s disease is known for its memory loss and once a person reaches his or her 60s, risk of becoming affected rises significantly.

Alzheimer. This degenerative condition affects at least 5 million elderly Americans.

By 2050, 1 out of 8 individuals are predicted to have Alzheimer’s and according to studies, Alzheimer’s ranks 6th as the leading cause of death in the US. Almost 1 out of every 3 elderly patients die with some type of dementia.

Considering the prevalence of the disease, it is important that proper medical and nursing care are given towards its expected symptoms and setbacks.

One of the most frequent inconveniences that Alzheimer’s sufferers have to deal with is trouble sleeping. It is common for people with both dementia and Alzheimer’s to be restless during the night and feel lethargic during the day. Given the importance of sleep in any age group, it is a good idea to know how to promote a deep and restorative sleep.

How do you help an elderly patient with Alzheimer’s get back to a normal sleeping schedule? Here are some effective ways to fix such problems for a senior affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

1. Determine possible reasons causing sleeplessness

Finding out what exactly is ailing someone who cannot sleep is easier said than done.

There are countless things to look into if you are the caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the most common disorders you need to check for is sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a common malady among older individuals, recognizable by pauses in breathing due to an obstruction somewhere in the nose or throat.

The lack of air causes the person to wake up frequently, interrupting their REM cycle. When you combine something like sleep apnea with Alzheimer’s disease, you can expect your patient to have restless nights.

Depression is another reason many people are unable to sleep at night.

For those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease it is important for them to maintain constant social interaction.

Depression is hard to combat, especially when all they can remember are loved ones who have already passed away.

2. Alzheimer…Provide Light Therapy

The design of the patient’s room with Alzheimer’s should be free from any type of light during night time. In some facilities, the color of the room is adjusted appropriately in order to not stimulate the brain before bedtime.

According to the latest research regarding light therapy, violet is the best color to promote drowsiness.

Light therapy carries over into the morning hours as well.

Waking up with adequate light allows the body to re-adjust its circadian clock, making it easier to get out of bed and stay awake for the rest of the daylight hours.

3. Organize Medication Time

Patients with Alzheimer’s have a very difficult time falling back asleep if they are woken up for any reason.

Nurses and doctors should coordinate with each other in order to design a schedule that promotes sleep for the patient.

Also, be aware of the side effects of medication because there are some that will leave a stimulating effect, making it hard to sleep if that medication is taken at night.

Some caregivers, unwittingly, think to provide sleeping pills to counteract the side effects of some medications.

This is not a good idea for multiple reasons.

Hypnotics or sedatives usually exacerbate the patient’s confusion and can increase their risk of falling because people are known to sleep walk.

4. Alzheimer. Provide a schedule for physical activities

Physical activity that stimulates neuromuscular movements for your Alzheimer’s patient is important.

People who suffer from Alzheimer’s need mental and physical exercises, but it is encouraged to schedule all of these activities at the start of the day.

Caregivers should help the patient wind down by decreasing the number of activities as it gets closer to bed time.

Too much activity at night can leave someone too stimulated and energized to have a good night’s sleep.

5. Make Sleeping a Routine

Routines are important, especially for seniors with Alzheimer’s.

It is crucial for them to associate certain activities with the time of day.

From drinking warm milk to brushing their teeth, anything that can be done regularly in order to signal it’s time for bed is extremely helpful.

6. Limit day time naps

Alzheimer’s patients often crave sleep during the daytime.

It is imperative, however, for the caregiver to know how to moderate their patient’s daytime naps.

Instead of letting someone sleep on their bed during the day, why not get them a recliner instead?

Sleeping on a bed produces deeper sleep than when napping on a couch, which can then lead to a lack of tiredness at night.

It is possible to make noontime naps a positive part of their routine by setting times when they can nap and when they should wake up.

7. Do not provide caffeinated products

Caffeine is a strong stimulant that can disrupt anyone’s sleep. Most people associate caffeine with coffee, but it is possible to consume caffeine without drinking coffee directly.

Soda and even chocolate are some of the best examples of foods with caffeine in them.

For those with Alzheimer’s, these stimulating foods and drinks should only be served early in the day.

This way, it is possible to get a good night sleep by night time.

8. Alzheimer. Create a relaxing environment

A person with Alzheimer’s should have uninterrupted sleep. This can only be possible if there are no distractions.

For instance,

• is there an air conditioner that is clunking?
• Is the location of the person’s room located near an area where there are activities during the night?

Anything along these lines are important when considering how to create a relaxing environment.

Given the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease all over the world, and the fact that baby boomers are now becoming seniors, it is essential that we know how to handle Alzheimer’s disease and its different symptoms.

Sleep is a restorative activity necessary for all living organisms, but without it, the effects of Alzheimer’s are increased.

However, through the right management of healthcare providers, family members, and caregivers, Alzheimer’s patients can experience a good night’s sleep.

Though Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t have a cure, it is possible to minimize the impact of the condition.

Getting enough sleep is one of the most ideal things that you can do in order to provide proper care to an elderly patient with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

These 8 simple steps not only guarantee better overall health, but also a better mood and quality of life.

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