Has anyone used any medicine like Ditropan, oxybutin, or other bladder medicine on a dementia patient to have less incontinences?

The only connection I've had with that is with the mother of a friend of mine.

After taking one of these bladder control drugs she began having memory and personality issues. She was eventually diagnosed with AD. When the neurologist took her off of the drugs she improved immensely.

My friend's mother likely has dementia, but the medications made her far worse. That doesn't mean the same thing will happen in every case, but it's something to watch. These side effects are real. They don't occur for everybody and for some they are mild and can be lived with. For others - they are devastating.

I hope that you find the answer that works for your loved one.
Carol

I would not recommend stopping g the natural progression of urinary function. These individuals are very sensitive. Use a decent diaper along with a tena pad for maximum absorbency and wash frequently with change of diaper. I would also recommend using a triple paste to protect the skin. Others
Wise get him up during the day every two hours to urinate whether he feels he has to go or not. That is of course you are aware of how much water he is drinking. Yes it is a trying and tiring job. Perhaps you can find some assistance. But to medicate because you are tired is not something I would recommend. I'm sure your doctor would prescribe something
To make life easier on you, but is it really the right thing to do. ? That's something you have to work out in your head. Best of luck. Here and exhausted and sun not fully up yet.

The side effects are even worse for him. Keep doing what you are doing, for the side effects could make him dizzy and if he falls then he could fracture a hip or something else. The only other option is a catheter, so ask his doctor. The part of the brain that is controlling muscle function has degraded and this is just part of the disease. I buy lots of men's Depends.

My mom had the same issue as 97yroldmom. We tried about 3 different over active bladder MEDS with no success. Finally tried Gelnique and it wirked. Somers nights mom would only get up one time during the night. Before using gelnique, getting up 6-8x during the night was not unusual. My mom never had a UTI so I guess we were lucky.

My dad gets bladder spasms and was put on oxybutin. Works great, no more spasms. My dad does not have dementia but my mom did.
If the benefits outweigh the risks, you may want to try it. Everyone getting a good nights sleep is important too. Good luck

My mother's gerontologist took her off this medication because it contributes to dementia.

MIL uses oxybutynin for bladder issues but of late I have noticed that she is falling down more and sleeps 20 hours a day, argues more and at times even combative !! Got to weigh the choices deal with wetting self of sleep and complains ...

Remember urinary catheters have to be changed. Most of the time it is painful or extreme discomfort and you are guaranteed Urinary tract infections.

My mother has Alzheimer's (mid to severe) and we tried Oxybutin. She went absolutely bonkers! She thought a stuffed animal was breathing, she had all kinds of delusions. She was crying and screaming, trying to run out of the house, and all sorts of things. She was only on it for three days. We switched to Myrbetriq and that seemed to help. She still suffers incontinence at night but hasn't had any UTIs that we are aware of. Her urologist said that many of the bladder medications can impact brain function so be careful.

My husband had a closed head injury 10 years ago, and has had much confusion, and unable to care for himself. I have been taking care of him these 10 years. He has been on Ditropan XL, the entire 10 years. It doesn't stop his bladder leaks, but what it does do is stop the leaking while changing clothes, when getting him on the toilet, it keeps it in control. I'm very watchful of his fluid intake. I try to give him juice, water, decaf coffee with his breakfast. Then I know he's got half of his fluids done for the day. I try to get him to the toilet every hour, or so. Later in the day it's not as frequent. When he's having a really good day, he will tell me he needs the toilet. The biggest issues with this medicine, you really need to watch their fluids. He's only had a couple UTI's over the 10 years. The other issue he has is constipation. This has been a lifelong problem, but more so on the medicine. I give him fibermucil (order online from HSN) this keeps him regular. He doesn't have any side effects from the medicine, but this is his only RX med. Oh it's a timed release. The last few years, he's developed early onset dementia, not unusual for a head injury patient. I know some people don't like giving meds needlessly, but this is a medicine that I have found works in our situation. BTW he's 76 years old.

My Mom is on Oxybutynin and I have not noticed any issues with her. she also has Alzheimer's and had a lot of issues making it to the restroom. I have not noticed any issues while she has been on it.