How can I encourage my mother to empty her bladder more frequently?
A fellow caregiver asked...
My mother has had Alzheimer's for the last 16 years. I've had her living with me for 10 years. More and more recently I'm having problems getting her to empty her bladder. She will hold it from the time she gets up in the morning until the middle of the night. I've tried everything and am worried sick.
Expert Answer
Ladislav Volicer, M.D., Ph.D., is recognized as an international expert on advanced dementia care. He is a courtesy full professor at the School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, and visiting professor at the Third Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Twenty-five years ago, he established one of the first dementia special care units.
Infrequent urination may be an indication of insufficient intake of liquids that can result in dehydration. Try to make your mother to drink more, by providing social reasons for drinking liquids (e.g., afternoon tea, drinking with her, etc.).
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