Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, with nearly 7 out of 10 Australians with dementia having Alzheimer’s. In total Alzheimer's affects around 300,000 Australians.
Dementia is the general term used to describe a progressive cognitive decline in someone, and with Alzheimer’s this dementia is caused by abnormal structures in the brain damaging and killing nerve cells, resulting in memory failure, personality changes and difficulties carrying out daily activities.
One of those daily activities is managing bladder and bowel control. It is estimated that between 60% and 70% of those with Alzheimer’s suffer from incontinence, often because they’ve simply forgotten to go to the toilet. Our nurse has some helpful tips for those caring for someone who may be living with Alzheimer’s: