Dementia Care The Constipation Problem

What happens if a patient with Alzheimer's has constipation? What can you do?By Bob DeMarcoAlzheimer's Reading RoomIt not unusual for me to receive emails asking me how to deal with bowel movements and constipation in persons living with Alzheimer's and dementia.Here is a good example of a recent email I received from our reader Julieta.Alzheimer's Care and CommunicationBob,"What happens if a patient with Alzheimer's starts to have constipation. I know they some times forget, but how can we direct them or remind them they the need to go?I do not mean to seat them on the toilet or give them laxative but a command , a word or something that awake them or remind them the need to do it? Thank you."Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading RoomEmail:As far as I know,there is no way to convince a dementia patient that it is time to go to the bathroom. I know from personal experience with my mom, Dotty, thatit is pretty hard to explain just about anything and get them to cooperate.Trying to reason with them, convince them, threaten them, or even cajole just doesn't work well.What you can do is become a guide. I'll suggest that everyone read or re-read this article.An Alzheimer's Communication Tip - No More Blah Blah BlahI did have a big problem withmy mom and constipation. It did take me a while to figure out what to do.I have been told by caregivers that the following article is very helpful.Alzheimer's Care and the Dreaded Bowel MovementLet's just say I tried everything under the ...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimer's bowel movement alzheimer's care alzheimer's caregiving care of dementia patients at home care of dementia patients care dementia care dementia constipation help alzheimer's memory care Source Type: blogs