Suggest Treatment For Urinary And Bowel Incontinence When Diagnosed Alzheimer's Disease

Posted on Mon, 29 Jun 2015

Question: My wife, an 87yr old Alzheimer victom has developed both urinary and bowel incontinence. I realize this is probably associated with the advancing Alzheimer's but wonder if their is any helpful medication to alleviate the miserable symptoms she is living with. She is currently taking Vesicle for bladder control as well as typical Alzheimer medications. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly check the details given below:

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir, Good Morning!

I appreciate your concern for your beloved wife's problems associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Following medications are beneficial to treat the incontinence"

For urinary incontinence in addition to Vesicare (Solifenace succinate) drugs like Tolterodine, Oxybutynin, Trospium, Darifenacin, etc are also equally effective.

The advantage of Oxybutyin is it can be used in the form of a skin patch which is effective for one day.

For fecal incontinence:

Adding bulk to her diet may thicken loose stool.
Drug like Metamucil that has a fiber called psyllium, which adds bulk to stools.
She should be given more whole grains. Aim for 30 grams of fiber a day.
Dairy products, fatty, fried, or greasy foods should be avoided as they tend to increase the frequency of the stools.
Besides, using special pads or undergarments extra care can be undertaken.

Surgery ( Rectal sphincter repair) may be the option if the above measures fail to correct the problem.

Hope the suggestions given above could be beneficial to her in getting the problems treated.

Wishing her a very good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (16 hours later)

Thank you Dr XXXXXXX I will try your remedies. I have one follow up ??

Is this problem an inevitable part of Alzheimer disease? Could the fecal incontinance be a result of Anti-biotics given her several days ago ( in hospital) for mild Pneumonia? MM

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, this may be an inevitable part of the disease.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir, Hi
Good Morning!

Thanks for your query.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disease, the exact cause of which is not known.
There is a possibility of interactive genetic and environmental factors which lead on to production of certain abnormal proteins in the brain which selectively damage the nerve cells resulting into memory impairment and the inability to perform basic activities of daily life.

So, the problems arise because of irreversible nerve damage.
Most of the drugs used are intended to restore the damaged nerve function.

The antibiotics are known to cause loose motions as a part of their side effects however fecal incontinence reflects the damage of the nerves responsible to control the anal sphincters.

I hope I could explained the possible reasons behind her present problems.

Wishing your beloved wife a quick and smooth recovery.

Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj