Alzheimer's and the DIfficult Bowel Movement

This article is being republished and re-opened for new comments and discussion. Like most Alzheimer's caregivers, I did give up more than once in my early years as a caregiver. This article is about implementing a solution to a problem with someone living with Alzheimer's disease and having a problem with bowel movements. I knew the solution to the dreaded bowel movement problem for years. I couldn't get my mother to cooperate. When she wouldn't cooperate, I would give up. At least three or four times over a two year period. I was finally able to implement my solution for one simple reason -- I was learning new and better techniques as an Alzheimer's caregiver over time. In this case I married pattern of behavior, with some singing (music), and a good positive attitude. Throw in some good solid positive reinforcement and some good communication and you get a solution to a problem. You also need patience and intestinal fortitude. You develop these over time as part of the caregiving process. Time for some background and then I'll get to it. I tried all the possible solutions under the sun to deal with the dreaded Alzheimer's bowel movement problem. I tried so many that I can't describe all of them to you. For example, somebody told me about a certain kind of tea. I tried it and a couple more, didn't work for us. I tried everything: Citrucel, Benefiber, Dulcolax, overnight relief, stool softener, and the industrial strength stuff. You know that pill that gives you a s...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Dementia Authors: Source Type: blogs