10. Frequently asked questions
It is more common in people with dementia than those without, of the same age. It often starts as dementia progresses. Dementia can affect the brain’s ability to recognise the need to use the toilet or find it in time. People with dementia might also have other causes of incontinence (like a weak pelvic floor or prostate problems) that are more common as we get older.
Several reasons, including:
- Difficulty recognising the urge to go.
- Trouble finding or identifying the toilet.
- Problems with mobility or removing clothing.
- Communication challenges (not asking for help with getting to the toilet).
Sometimes, but it more often starts in the middle to later stages. It can occur in the earlier stages (or before dementia), depending on the person and any other health issues that they have.
Yes, often it can be managed. Strategies include:
- Establishing a regular toilet routine (see carer section 2)
- Making the bathroom easy to find and use (see carer section 3)
- Looking after bladder and bowel health (see carer section 3)
- Reviewing medications with a doctor or pharmacist
Yes. Common types include:
- Urge incontinence (sudden need to go)
- Functional incontinence (can’t reach the toilet in time due to cognitive or physical issues)
- Overflow incontinence (bladder doesn’t empty properly)
Here are some tips for getting a good night’s sleep (see section 5 for more detail):
- Go to the toilet immediately before bed.
- Don’t drink too much 2-3 hours before bed (but get enough to drink during the day).
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Ensure the route to the bathroom is clear and well-lit.
- Consider a bedside commode or handheld urinal if it’s easier than walking to the toilet at night.
- Use appropriate products that might help you sleep, e.g. high absorbency pads or bed protection (available for mattresses and duvets).
- Get help for any medical causes such as a urinary infection or constipation.
- Look for patterns, e.g. if an accident happens at a certain time every night, consider setting your alarm to wake up half an hour earlier and use the toilet.
Yes they are often helpful, but you should always try to treat the underlying cause too. Options include:
- Absorbent pads or briefs.
- Waterproof mattress covers.
- Bedside commodes.
Sometimes. Helpful changes include:
- Regular physical activity (if possible).
- Healthy diet to avoid constipation.
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake.
It can be, though it’s less common than urinary incontinence. It may occur in later stages due to loss of muscle control and awareness.
Some people think that only women become incontinent, but this is not true. Men can also have problems with pee or poo incontinence. Incontinence is more common with younger and middle-aged women with issues related to childbirth and menopause. With men, problems tend to become more common at an older age.
If you need incontinence products such as pads or mattress protectors, you might need to buy all or some of them, depending on where you live. You should contact your local Bladder and Bowel service (either directly or through your doctor) to have a full assessment and see if there is any treatment that might help. If you do need pads, other incontinence products or toilet-use aids, you can ask the service what they can provide. Provision varies a lot between different areas and some people use attendance allowance to help with the cost of managing incontinence. See here Attendance Allowance: Overview - GOV.UK for more detail.