Incontinence in patients with dementia

Harriet Price

British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 20, Iss. 12, 23 Jun 2011, pp 721 - 721

The high prevalence of incontinence in dementia sufferers will only increase as the population ages (Alzheimer's Society, 2007), but the evidence-based knowledge for management of these long-term disorders combined is lacking (Hägglund, 2010). Management techniques for incontinence need to be developed to ensure that dementia patients receive the best care, as current methods such as behavioural techniques may not be appropriate for people with limited cognitive function. This article will address issues that arise with current incontinence management for dementia sufferers and possible courses of action to tailor them more specifically to those people with cognitive impairment. Quite often, incontinence is just managed with incontinence pads and treatment is not discussed, which can have detrimental effects on the patient (Omli et al, 2010). Nurses have an important role in incontinence treatment and can change this misuse of incontinence pads and ensuring a holistic approach to care will help when treating a patient with dementia. Ethical and legal issues will also be discussed as they must be considered when providing holistic care.

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