Managing Incontinence and Parkinson’s Disease

Incontinence can be a frustrating and challenging aspect of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that impacts movement, motor control, and various bodily functions. Individuals with Parkinson's often experience bladder and bowel control issues, which can make day-to-day life more difficult. However, with the right approach, treatment, and products, managing incontinence becomes a more manageable part of living with Parkinson’s disease.

Why Does Parkinson’s Disease Cause Incontinence?

Incontinence in Parkinson’s disease is mainly caused by the damage to the brain's ability to communicate with the bladder and bowel muscles. Parkinson’s affects the central nervous system, impairing motor control, and this disruption extends to involuntary muscles, including those responsible for bladder and bowel function.

People with Parkinson's often experience issues with both urinary and bowel control. For the bladder, this might mean urgency, frequency, or in some cases, leakage. The condition also causes delayed bladder emptying and poor coordination of the bladder muscles, which can lead to urinary retention or accidents.

For bowel control, Parkinson’s impacts the muscles that regulate bowel movements. This can result in constipation, difficulty evacuating, and sometimes bowel incontinence. As Parkinson’s progresses, these issues often become more pronounced, contributing to the ongoing challenges of managing incontinence.

Bladder and Bowel Control Problems in Parkinson's Disease

As Parkinson’s disease advances, incontinence can worsen, leading to a greater dependency on caregivers and an increased risk of complications like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or pressure ulcers. Understanding the types of incontinence is crucial to finding the right management strategies.

Urinary Incontinence in Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease frequently causes urinary urgency, meaning the individual feels a sudden and overwhelming need to urinate, often with little warning. This can lead to accidents, especially if the person is unable to make it to the bathroom in time. In some cases, people with Parkinson's may also struggle with urinary retention, where they are unable to completely empty their bladder. This can result in frequent urination and a higher likelihood of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Urinary frequency is another common issue, with individuals feeling the need to urinate often, even if the bladder isn’t full. Nighttime incontinence, or bedwetting, is also a problem for many people with Parkinson’s, as the brain’s signals for waking up to use the bathroom can become impaired.

Bowel Control Problems in Parkinson’s Disease

Bowel incontinence is another significant issue for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s often causes constipation due to slower digestion, making bowel movements difficult or infrequent. This can lead to accidents when the bowel feels full, but the individual may not be able to get to the bathroom in time.

Some individuals also experience difficulty with muscle coordination, making it harder for the body to signal when it’s time to evacuate. This combined with a slower digestive system creates the perfect storm for bowel incontinence.

Managing Incontinence in Parkinson's Disease

There are several effective strategies for managing both urinary and bowel incontinence in Parkinson’s patients, which can help reduce discomfort and increase dignity.

1. Medical Treatments for Incontinence in Parkinson’s

Bladder issues in Parkinson’s can often be managed with medications, such as anticholinergics, which help calm the bladder and reduce urgency. In some cases, if urinary retention is an issue, medications like alpha-blockers can relax the bladder muscles and improve the emptying process. Additionally, certain medications used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms may also alleviate some of the urinary issues.

For bowel incontinence, treatments often focus on managing constipation. Laxatives or stool softeners may be prescribed to encourage regular bowel movements. In some cases, digital rectal stimulation may be recommended to help stimulate the bowel and reduce accidents.

Surgical options for severe incontinence are rarely needed but may be considered in more advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. This could involve surgery to create a new bladder opening or procedures to manage bowel function.

2. Physical Therapy and Bladder/Bowel Training

Physical therapy and pelvic floor exercises can improve muscle strength and coordination, which is helpful for those struggling with incontinence due to Parkinson’s. Kegel exercises, for example, can strengthen pelvic muscles, improving bladder and bowel control.

Additionally, bladder and bowel training programs can help establish a regular schedule for bathroom use, reducing the risk of accidents. This is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with urgency or frequency.

3. Using Incontinence Products to Help Manage Symptoms

Incontinence products, such as adult diapers, absorbent pads, and reusable underwear, are an essential part of managing incontinence in Parkinson’s disease. For individuals who experience nighttime incontinence, SPC quilted underpads (30x36) are an excellent option. These underpads are designed for maximum absorbency, keeping the skin dry and preventing leaks, even during extended periods of use.

SPC bladder control products and SPC reusable underwear are also effective for those who need discreet, comfortable, and highly absorbent solutions during the day. These products are ideal for both men and women with Parkinson’s who need a little extra help with bladder control, while offering comfort and skin protection.

Caregivers can have peace of mind knowing that SPC products are tested for quality and durability. They are designed to be discreet, so individuals with Parkinson’s can maintain their dignity while managing their incontinence.

Preventing Complications of Incontinence in Parkinson's Disease

Proper management of incontinence in Parkinson’s is not only about controlling symptoms; it’s also about preventing further complications, such as infections and skin breakdowns. Regular catheterization or scheduled bathroom visits, as well as keeping the skin clean and dry, are important preventive measures.

Maintaining hydration while also managing fluid intake to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom or nighttime accidents is essential. Additionally, monitoring for signs of urinary tract infections or constipation can help prevent more serious health issues.

What Should Caregivers Know About Parkinson's Incontinence?

Caring for someone with Parkinson's disease and incontinence can be emotionally and physically demanding. Caregivers should be supportive and compassionate, encouraging their loved ones to follow treatment plans and use the appropriate incontinence products. Creating a comfortable and hygienic environment for the person under care is essential, as is offering assistance with mobility when needed.

At San Pablo Commercial, we're a family-run business dedicated to supporting seniors and caregivers by offering dependable, affordable incontinence supplies. From SPC disposable underpads to reusable underwear and sanitary pads, our range is designed for comfort and confidence. We understand the challenges of managing incontinence and strive to make it easier for you to stay clean, dry, and independent every day.