Feb 06, 2026
If your loved one has dementia, you may have probably wondered whether there's a link between the condition and incontinence, mostly because you might have noticed them having bathroom accidents more regularly.
Dementia could bring many changes, from memory lapses to bladder and bowel control issues.1 But don’t worry, you can still help them through this.
Let’s explore why dementia could cause incontinence, and give you some simple, practical ways to support your loved one with care and confidence.
What Is Dementia and How Does It Affect Continence?
“Dementia” is a broad term for a range of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. It could show up in many ways, depending on the part of the brain it affects. This damage often affects memory and the ability to plan or carry out everyday tasks including their ability to recognize when they need to use the bathroom, leading to those unexpected leaks.1
Even emotional and behavioral changes like anxiety, or depression that come with dementia could even worsen incontinence.2 Dementia could also affect their language, time awareness, and sense of direction, making it difficult for them to communicate their needs or finding their way in a (once) familiar space.
The connection between dementia and incontinence could make daily life feel harder without support, which is why your care matters.
Understanding the Signs of Dementia and Incontinence
If someone close to you is getting on in years, they might start being forgetful, easily confused, or unable to do tasks they used to do easily. Even something as natural as brushing their teeth could feel harder for them.
Those signs could be the onset of dementia, a common condition in later life. When incontinence becomes part of the picture, you might notice sudden urges, small leaks, or moments when your loved one seems unaware of urinary leaks or dribbles.1
When you notice the early signs of dementia and incontinence in your loved one, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. The important thing is to learn as much as you can about their condition and see their doctor early for guidance and support.
Understanding what they face each day and professional help could make all the difference in your care and in their comfort and dignity.
Dementia Conditions Linked to Incontinence
Dementia is not one single disease. It’s a blanket term used for a range of symptoms caused by different types of brain changes.
Below, we’ll focus on the six most common forms of dementia and how incontinence might appear in each of them. We’ll also touch on other types briefly to help you see the full spectrum.
Alzheimer’s disease
Urinary issues in Alzheimer’s often occur because the brain can no longer properly signal the bladder, leading to leaks or accidents.3 You might also notice your loved one finding it increasingly difficult to communicate. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is important.
Vascular dementia
It usually progresses in bigger or smaller steps following a major or minor stroke. As it worsens, you might notice your loved one losing bladder control.4
Frontotemporal dementia
This type is one of the primary degenerative dementias. Bowel incontinence in dementia could occur earlier with this type of dementia than in other types, especially during times of high stress or other triggers.5
Huntington’s disease
Though rare, affecting about five out of every 100,000 people, Huntington’s could affect the nerves and muscles that control the bladder and bowel, leading to unexpected leaks.6
Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia is estimated to account for 2–20 percent of all dementia cases. It affects the part of the nervous system that controls bladder control, leading to frequent urges and leaks.7
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is caused by a deficiency of the neurotransmitter called dopamine and accounts for 1.2–3 percent of all cases of dementia. Like Lewy body dementia, it could lead to bladder urges and leaks.7
Other forms of dementia are:
- Mixed dementia: Occurs when more than one type of dementia is present.
- Secondary dementia: Includes around eighty conditions and injuries, such as brain tumors, alcohol abuse, and vitamin deficiencies.
Every person’s experience is different. If your loved one shows changes in memory, bladder, or bowel habits, it’s best to see the doctor for personalized guidance and care planning.
Tips for Managing Dementia-Related Incontinence at Home
When caring for someone with dementia and incontinence, these tips could help both of you feel more confident and comfortable:
- Create and stick to a familiar routine, such as regular toileting times or consistent bath schedules.
- Keep the bathroom layout simple and easy to access.
- Try not to move items around once they’re familiar with the layout.
- Use visual cues to gently guide them, like a picture of a toilet on the door or arrows along the hallway.
- Speak calmly and offer reassurance.
- Avoid rushing them through activities and allow plenty of time.
- Always ask for their permission before starting any care and involve them as much as possible.
- Use incontinence products, such as pads, protective underwear, and mattress covers, to help with hygiene and comfort.
Managing incontinence is a normal part of dementia care, not a loss of independence. A steady routine, gentle communication, and empathy could make a big difference.
When to See a Doctor
Many types of dementia are progressive, meaning symptoms often start slowly and gradually get worse. As dementia advances, incontinence could develop.8 Even before that happens, it’s important to see a doctor if your loved one shows memory difficulties or changes in thinking skills.
If incontinence has already begun, a doctor could help identify the cause and guide you in creating a personalized care plan.
Talking about a sensitive topic like incontinence might feel uncomfortable at first, but remember; healthcare professionals are trained to support you and your loved one with understanding and respect.
A simple way to start is by sharing what you’ve noticed lately. Early conversations often lead to better comfort and care in the long run.
References
1. How dementia can affect incontinence? [Internet]. Dementia UK. 2025. Available from: https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/health-advice/incontinence/
2. How Stress and Anxiety Affect Bladder Control [Internet]. Byram Healthcare. 2025. Available from: https://www.byramhealthcare.com/blogs/how-stress-and-anxiety-affect-bladder-control
3. Helping your loved one with Alzheimer’s manage incontinence - National Association for Continence [Internet]. National Association for Continence. 2023 [cited 2025 Oct 15]. Available from: https://nafc.org/bhealth-blog/helping-your-loved-one-with-alzheimers-manage-incontinence/
4. NHS. Symptoms - Vascular Dementia [Internet]. NHS. 2020. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vascular-dementia/symptoms/
5. An Education Initiative from AFTD, What to Do About... [Internet]. Theaftd.org. 2014 Jan. Available from: https://www.theaftd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/January-2014-WTDA.pdf
6. Bryson S. Bladder, Bowel, Sexual Problems Common, Huntington’s Patients Say [Internet]. Huntington’s Disease News. 2021 [cited 2025 Oct 15]. Available from: https://huntingtonsdiseasenews.com/news/bladder-bowel-sexual-problems-common-huntingtons-patients/
7. J. Eric Ahlskog. Bladder Problems’, Dementia with Lewy Body and Parkinson’s Disease Patients: Patient, Family, and Clinician Working Together for Better Outcomes. Oxford University Press eBooks [Internet]. 2013 Sep 19 [cited 2024 Feb 13]; Available from: https://academic.oup.com/book/40789/chapter-abstract/348726406?redirectedFrom=fulltext
8. Susan York Morris. Dementia and Incontinence: Is There a Link? [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2017. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/dementia/incontinence-care
