How to manage my grandmother's toilet fear and dementia?

Question

Hello doctor,

So we have a little problem with our grandmother, she is 89 years old. Lately, she is acting like crazy, and she is living in constant fear that she will mess up if she visits the toilet in 10,15, or 20 minutes. The morning is starting with the toilet and last till she gets tired with that constant going to the bathroom and back to her room, then she goes on half an hour, hour so continuous going in the toilet with no reason only because of the fear it is stressful and irritating also boring at some point.

So the question is is that normal for her age, considering that she has sclerosis dementia, I think? She suffered two brain, and one heart attack should adapt on her when she is like that and make deals with her because yelling and talking do not have any effect on her mind are focused only on the toilet and on that fear, and it is like a drug to her. It is crazy and funny on the other hand, but in that situation, it is stressful sometimes because it is like dealing with lunation or maniac.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your problem very well and as you have mentioned already here that your grandmother already had two cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) or in your language brain attacks and one heart attack and she was diagnosed with sclerosis dementia. As the term suggested dementia means memory loss, she is suffering from memory disturbances definitely, and increased urinary frequency might be due to forgetfulness or it may be due to other neurological deficit which is affecting her bladder also.

So first we have to be very, very clear about that. Is it urinary incontinence or forgetfulness? So most of the time caregiver became frustrated by these types of symptoms and thinks of craziness or lunacy I believe these are not proper words for your grandmother here. Remember if you are so frustrated because of these symptoms how stressful are these for her? In that case, the most important thing you need is support for your grandmother.

The first rule out the cause of increased urinary frequency by making investigations and then will proceed accordingly. So make it clear by consulting her with a good neurologist who can rule out the cause. So before arriving at any conclusion, it is very premature for me to comment on current symptoms and treatment options. What I can suggest is environmental support by a caregiver.

Thank you.