- Introduction
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Prevention
-
Caregiving
- Coping with Emotional Changes
- Coping with Memory Loss
- Costs and Insurance
- Creating a Daily Routine
- Exercise
- Health and Wellbeing of the Caregiver
- Home Safety Adjustments
- Mental Exercises
- Respite Care
- Talking to Children about Alzheimer's
- Talking to Friends about Alzheimer's
- Telling Someone They Have Alzheimer's
- Transition to Assisted Living
- Transition to Nursing Home
- Work
- Related Conditions
- Resources
Q: Does anyone have a solution for how to help someone with overactive bladder when they are on Arecept?
Hi Patricia
I presume that by an overactive bladder you mean that the person taking Aricept passes urine a lot or frequently. There may be another cause and you should get your loved one/client checked out by a doctor to see if this is a ‘symptom’ of another disease or condition, for instance, a urine infection, a renal disease, medication side effects or drug interactions or one of a number of other diseases. His/her doctor may be able to suggest medication or treatment for this condition so that is another good reason to see the doctor.
If you are happy that the overactive condition is linked to behavior someone with Alzheimer’s then I think it would be good to do a toileting programme. I have written a sharepost about fecal incontinence and the information I give in that can be applied to urinary incontinence. Here is the link to the information on behavioral treatments, establishing a baseline of current toileting behavior to assess what intervention may be the most helpful. It also gives you tips on how to interact and communicate in the most effective way with people who have Alzheimer’s.
For more information the Incontinence site here on Health Central gives you a lot of help and information that you may find useful.
I hope this help. Write back if you need any more advice.
All my best wishes
Christine
I am gathering that you are asking how to help someone with cognitive impairment who has bladder control issues. First, it is important to bring up the bladder control issues with the individual's physician since such issues may be due to, or exacerbated by, medication side effects or another medical condition. It is important to note that a common side effect of Aricept is more the opposite of this particular issue, and that is difficulty with passing urine, according to the manufacturer. In general, toileting issues are common in indiaivuals with Alzheimer's disease. The damage to the brain caused by the disease may impair the individual's ability to interpret signals from other parts of the body, such as processing and acting on the need to urinate. Also, the individual may no longer be able to interpret the signals in a timely manner, which could be causing accidents. Also, consider that because of the brain damage, the toileting process may be too confusing and overwhelming, which may make going to the bathroom all the more stressful. All of this may signal the need for more of a one-on-one intervention, which might include cueing and close monitoring. Encourage going to the bathroom at regular intervals, whether there is urgent need to go or not. Remain calm and patient, and offer verbal cues, breaking down the task into simple parts. Consider putting a commode in the living room or bedroom for easier and faster access. Above all, remain positive and supportive.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Wonderful answer! Thanks so much,
Carol