Dementia is becoming increasingly more common although it is not a normal part of ageing. Diabetes, heart disease, lifestyle factors and genes can all contribute to the onset of this disease.
Dementia is on the increase and is fast becoming a national and a global health issue.
In the early to mid stages of dementia, persons with dementia have a functional incontinence. Their barriers to speech, language, understanding, and dexterity can lead them to have accidents, not because they have a weakened pelvic floor or physiological or neurological changes to their bladder, bowel or sphincters. But as the dementia progresses, and significant damage to the brain occurs due to the disease process, it leads to a “true” incontinence, where the person with dementia will have no knowledge their bladder is filling or is full, or have no control over passing urine or faeces.
Managing challenging behaviour related to continence can be addressed by using the most appropriate product for level of mobility, absorbency, level of independence, ease of use, and to make pad changes or toileting as easy as possible. Below are product suggestions for the different stages of dementia.
*Required fields
The individual has difficulty handling some daily activities – finding the toilet, not remembering why they went to toilet, might have some mood changes, may be getting lost in familiar places, but is mobile and dexterity is not an issue.
TENA Pants encourage independent toileting, and are similar to underwear and avoid confusion around use of pads.
High absorbency Pads can also be a good choice where some independence and understanding still exists.
*Required fields
The individual cannot manage daily activities; needs direction or some physical assistance with walking, clothing and placement/removal of pant/pad; memory and communication abilities worsen.
TENA Pants encourage independent toileting, and are similar to underwear and avoid confusion around use of pads.
*Required fields
The individual requires continuous support and care (24/7); the person is totally dependent on other people’s help and care. In this stage they are usually unaware of time and place, unable to recognize familiar objects, persons, friends and relatives. They can often have complete bowel and bladder incontinence.
Belted Products (Flex) are easier to apply than other high absorbency products and incorporates a wetness indicator. The wetness indicators on higher absorbency products can help ensure individuals are changed only when needed, and sleep can be uninterrupted.
TENA offers a great range of incontinence products and aids to help those with dementia:
*Required fields
*Required fields
*Required fields
References
With over 60 years of experience TENA is the world’s leading incontinence brand*. We offer a full range of absorbent products, skincare and digital health technology solutions that are tailored to the needs of individuals, their families and healthcare professionals.
With TENA, Essity is at the forefront of developing products and services that help improve dignity and the quality of people’s lives. We strive for sustainable continence care with better care and better products.
*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; Retail Adult Incontinence, all channels, RSP value sales, Tissue & Hygiene, 2024 edition.
TENA, a brand of Essity – a global leading hygiene and healthy company. Everyday, our products, solutions and services are used by billion people around the world. Our purpose is to break barriers to well-being for the benefit of consumers, patients, caregivers, customers and society. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other strong brands such as Actimove, Cutimed, JOBST, Knix, Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, ModiBodi, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, TOM Organic and Zewa. In 2024, Essity had net sales of approximately SEK 146bn (EUR 13bn) and employed 36,000 people. The Company's headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden and Essity is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at essity.com.
