How do neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s affect bowel and bladder control?
Answer:
In the later stages of Alzheimer's or dementia, the brain may lose the ability to recognize physiological urges. This leads to "functional incontinence," where the person may forget to use the bathroom or be unable to find it. Environmental cues—like high-contrast signage and illuminated toilet seats—are essential care strategies for these individuals.
Expert Tip: Use the LTC News Caregiver Directory to find local professionals who specialize in dignity-first incontinence management and personalized care plans. If a loved one owns a Long-Term Care Insurance policy be sure you use teh benefits. Get free expert help with processing the claim. LTC News partners with Amada Senior Care to provide free claim support with no cost or obligation. Their trained experts can walk you through the entire process and help you access benefits quickly and correctly — File a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.
If there is no LTC policy, and your loved one has a life insurance policy, you could sell it for cash now to cover the costs of care.