3. Looking after bladder and bowel health

Key points

  1. Drink plenty of fluids, but not too much caffeine.
  2. Try to avoid constipation by eating foods that are high in fibre every day.
  3. Speak to your healthcare professional if you think the person that you care for might have a bladder infection or be constipated.
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Many of the bladder and bowel problems that are linked to dementia are difficult to avoid. But there are some things that people can do to keep their bladder and bowel healthier. These tips are the same for people with or without dementia.

Eating and Drinking

  • Drink enough each day so that the pee is straw-coloured – roughly 6-8 glasses or mugs. This will help keep the bowels working, keep the bladder healthy and avoid bladder infections. Some people reduce fluids hoping that it might help with bladder leakage. But this can raise the risk of bladder infections (sometimes called urinary tract infections or UTIs).
  • Avoid too many drinks with artificial sweeteners or caffeine (including coffee and cola). These can upset the bladder for some people.
  • Eat some fibre to help avoid constipation. Many breakfast cereals, vegetables and fruit are good sources of fibre.
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Common problems

Two very common problems are bladder infections and constipation.

  • Bladder infection signs include pain when peeing, needing to pee more often, pee that is cloudy or smelly, high temperature, pain in their tummy, back or sides, being more confused. Help avoid bladder infections by careful wiping (front to back for women) and drinking enough every day.
  • Constipation signs include straining to poo, pooing less often, tummy ache, dry or lumpy poo, being more confused.

Ask for help

It is important to ask for help from a healthcare professional or pharmacist when you need it. Examples of when you should seek help include if the person you care for:

  • Might have a bladder infection.
  • Might be constipated.
  • Has sore or broken skin from bladder or bowel leakage.
  • Is peeing or pooing a lot less or more than usual.
  • Has any blood in their pee or poo.