Does Alzheimer's cause diarrhea. My mom's been experiencing this more and more.
Can't find anything defnitive on-line other than forgetfulness could cause changes in dietary habits or that medications could be a factor. Dietary habits haven't changed and her medications have not recently been altered.
No, dementia doesn't cause diarrhea. Medications and diet may. However sphincter control and good control of bowels more difficult. And some take metamucil which means that, due to the firmentation process of that fiber causes gas and loss of control of the bowel. Switch to citrucel if fibres are needed.
firsttimer1, sometimes when we get older we can no longer tolerate dairy products. My Dad had that problem. So does hubby and myself. We have to use Lactaid dairy products.
It wasn't easy trying to convince my Mom (both were in their late 80's at that time) that Dad could no longer join her in eating ice cream, cheese, cottage cheese, milk, and yogurt. Mom was from the old school of "a little bit won't hurt"... and down the hall Dad would run as he had a "bout with the trouts".
Dad didn't develop memory issues until ten years later. Same with my Mom.
Here's what the internet has to say to the question, " does Alzheimer's cause diarrhea"?
Yes, people with Alzheimer's disease can experience diarrhea, which is a common symptom of the disease. Other bowel changes that can occur include constipation.
Here are some reasons why diarrhea can occur in people with Alzheimer's:
Brain changes: As Alzheimer's progresses, brain changes can affect the ability to control bowel movements.
Incontinence: People with Alzheimer's may have difficulty recognizing when they need to use the toilet, or they may not be able to control their bladder or bowel.
Medications: Certain medications can cause diarrhea.
Diet and dehydration: Changes in diet and dehydration can cause diarrhea.
Stress: Anxiety and stress can worsen gastrointestinal problems.
In general, bowel incontinence isn't an urgent problem, but you should seek immediate medical help if:
There is black, tarry, or cranberry color in the stool
There is a lot of blood in the stool
There is a fever above 101 F
There is severe belly pain, especially with nausea and vomiting
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It wasn't easy trying to convince my Mom (both were in their late 80's at that time) that Dad could no longer join her in eating ice cream, cheese, cottage cheese, milk, and yogurt. Mom was from the old school of "a little bit won't hurt"... and down the hall Dad would run as he had a "bout with the trouts".
Dad didn't develop memory issues until ten years later. Same with my Mom.
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Yes, people with Alzheimer's disease can experience diarrhea, which is a common symptom of the disease. Other bowel changes that can occur include constipation.
Here are some reasons why diarrhea can occur in people with Alzheimer's:
Brain changes: As Alzheimer's progresses, brain changes can affect the ability to control bowel movements.
Incontinence: People with Alzheimer's may have difficulty recognizing when they need to use the toilet, or they may not be able to control their bladder or bowel.
Medications: Certain medications can cause diarrhea.
Diet and dehydration: Changes in diet and dehydration can cause diarrhea.
Stress: Anxiety and stress can worsen gastrointestinal problems.
In general, bowel incontinence isn't an urgent problem, but you should seek immediate medical help if:
There is black, tarry, or cranberry color in the stool
There is a lot of blood in the stool
There is a fever above 101 F
There is severe belly pain, especially with nausea and vomiting