Care Partner Information Sheet

Dementia - Losing Control of Urine

Losing control of urine is called incontinence (in-con-tin-ents). It is common when people have dementia. It often gets worse as dementia gets worse.

Sometimes people with dementia wet their pants and feel bad about it.  You need to  help them stay dry so they feel better about themselves.

Later, when dementia is worse, they may wet their pants and not even know they did. It is still important to help them stay dry to prevent sores on the skin. 

For clothes. Consider using "adult briefs." They are special underpants for people who leak urine. They have special pads inside. You can throw away the pads when they are wet.

For the bed. Place a plastic pad and an absorbent pad on the bed, and cover it with a folded sheet. If the person wets the bed, change the folded sheet and the pads.

Losing Control of Urine Can Sometimes Be Fixed

If losing urine is a new problem, make a doctor's appointment for a check up. Sometimes there are causes that can be fixed or helped.

Some Causes of Losing Urine that Can Sometimes Be Fixed
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Medicine side effects
  • Drinking too much caffeine
  • Severe constipation
  • Diabetes out of control
  • Large prostate gland

Why Do People with Dementia Lose Control of Urine?

People with dementia often don't know until the last minute that they need to use the bathroom. Then, when they suddenly have to go, they can't get to the bathroom quickly enough or they can't find the bathroom.

Sometimes they can find the bathroom but have trouble pulling down their pants  Other times they don't even realize they have to use the bathroom and just wet their pants.

Help prevent losing urine

The table below lists some things you can try to help prevent someone from losing urine. Give them a try and see how they work. Also, don't be afraid to let the person drink as much liquid as they want during the day. Only limit liquids after dinner before bed.

What To Do If the Person Can't Get To The Bathroom On Time
  • Keep a clear path to the bathroom with nothing in the way.
  • Be sure hallway is well lit.
  • Put up signs in the hall that point to the bathroom.
  • Provide clothes that are easy to remove.
What To Do If the Person Doesn't Even Try To Get To The Bathroom
Try asking about the bathroom 
  • Every 2 hours, ask them if they need to go to the bathroom.
  • If they say yes, bring them to the bathroom and help them.
  • If they say no, come back and ask again in a few minutes, and then again in 1 or 2 hours.
If that doesn't work, try bringing them to the bathroom
  • Bring them to the bathroom every 2-3 hours.
  • If they are already wet when you bring them to the bathroom, next time bring them sooner than 2-3 hours.
  • Use shorter and shorter intervals till you get them to the bathroom before they are wet.
Useful Websites 

Written By: Barry D. Weiss, MD, University of Arizona College of Medicine

Alzheimer's disease and Related Dementia ~ Care Partner Information
Edited by an inter-professional team from the University of Arizona Center on Aging, Alzheimer's Association - Desert Southwest Chapter and Community Caregivers

This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB4HP19047, Arizona Geriatric Education Center.  This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.